LONDON (AP) – European Union regulators said they want to probe Apple over allegations it blocked video game company Epic Games from setting up its own app store, a possible violation digital rules that have come into force in the 27-member bloc on Thursday.
It is a new escalation of the high-profile battle between the two companies. Epic, the maker of the popular game Fortnite, has spent years fighting Apple’s exclusivity control over the distribution of iPhone applications.
Epic claimed on Wednesday that Apple thwarted its attempt to establish its own iOS app marketplace to compete with Apple’s App Store, calling it infringement the new EU Law on Digital Markets.
The sweeping set of rules, designed to prevent big tech companies from cornering digital markets, forced Apple to allow people in Europe to download iPhone apps from stores not operated by the US tech giant – a move it has long resisted.
The European Commission, the EU’s top antitrust watchdog, said in a statement on Thursday that it had “requested further explanations on this from Apple in accordance with the DMA.” The rules threaten fines that could reach billions for violations.
Apple has already been hit this week by a EU antitrust fine of $2 billion to prevent competition in music streaming.
The commission said it is “also assessing whether Apple’s actions raise doubts about their compliance” with other EU regulations, including Law on Digital Servicesanother set of regulations in the digital block rulebook that prohibits tech companies from “arbitrarily applying” their terms and conditions.
Epic claimed that Apple is brazenly violating the DMA rejecting an alternative iPhone app store it planned to set up in Sweden to serve European Union users.
He accused Apple of revenge harsh criticisms released by CEO Tim Sweeneywho led the largely unsuccessful antitrust case against the iPhone App Store in the US
Apple said its action was justified by Epic’s previous wrongful actions and the resulting litigation US court decision in 2021.
Apple ousted Epic from its App Store after trying to circumvent restrictions that Apple says protect the security and privacy of iPhone users while also helping recoup some of the investment that powers one of the world’s most ubiquitous devices.
“Epic’s egregious breach of its contractual obligations to Apple has led the courts to find that Apple has the right to terminate ‘any or all subsidiaries, affiliates and/or other entities controlled by Epic Games’ at any time and in Apple’s sole discretion,” it said. in a press release from Apple. “In light of Epic’s past and current conduct, Apple has decided to exercise that right.”