Epic Games has officially launched a rival app store for iOS in the European Union, marking a significant challenge to Apple’s dominant App Store. The Epic Games Store will offer Epic’s games, including the popular Fortnite, for users to download onto their iPhones. This move comes as a result of new EU tech rules, particularly the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forces tech giants to allow rival app stores onto their devices.
One of the key differences between the Epic Games Store and Apple’s App Store is the commission fees. While Apple charges up to 30 percent in fees, Epic has announced that it will only take a maximum of 12 percent commission on sales. This lower fee structure is expected to attract developers to the Epic Games Store, potentially taking a significant portion of Apple’s app store business.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has hailed the arrival of the Epic Games Store on iOS as a way to fix the „largely broken“ mobile gaming industry. Sweeney believes that competition will force Apple to improve its prices, features, promotions, and marketing deals. The launch of the Epic Games Store is seen as a positive development for consumers, as it may lead to lower prices and increased competition in the app marketplace.
The arrival of the Epic Games Store on iOS is a significant blow to Apple’s hegemony in the app market. Apple’s App Store has been a major revenue driver for the company, generating billions of dollars in sales each year. However, developers have increasingly pushed back against Apple’s policies, including high commission fees and restrictive rules on app submissions.
The launch of the Epic Games Store in the EU is seen as a victory for regulators and a demonstration of the effectiveness of the DMA. By forcing tech giants to allow alternative app stores onto their devices, the EU is promoting competition and potentially lowering prices for consumers. The success of the Epic Games Store in challenging Apple’s dominance may serve as a model for other regulators seeking to promote competition in the tech industry.
Overall, the launch of the Epic Games Store on iOS represents a significant shift in the app marketplace. With lower commission fees and increased competition, developers and consumers stand to benefit from a more competitive and diverse app ecosystem. As the rivalry between Epic and Apple continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how both companies adapt to the changing landscape of the app market.