Apple terminated the Apple Developer account of Epic Games Sweden AB on March 2, 2024, just as the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) began applying to Apple. The European Commission sought information from both companies on March 7; Apple permitted the account to be reinstated on March 8 after discussions with the Commission. The episode was resolved quickly, although it became an early test of the EU’s new app-distribution rules and fed into broader proceedings against Apple.
What Apple terminated
The affected account belonged to Epic Games Sweden AB, not an undifferentiated global “Epic Games” account. Epic said it had obtained the account through Apple’s normal developer process to build and distribute the Epic Games Store for iPhone users in the European Union. Epic’s account of the correspondence says Apple’s lawyers terminated the account on March 2, 2024, after Epic had described its plans and said it would comply with its developer-agreement obligations.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $308.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $574.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $410.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $389.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Epic said Apple viewed its past and current conduct as grounds to regard the Swedish entity as untrustworthy or a threat to Apple’s ecosystem. That is Epic’s characterization of Apple’s rationale, not a final finding by the European Commission. Contemporary reporting described Apple as arguing that Epic’s conduct justified denying the account. Epic’s account of the termination and reinstatement and contemporary reporting document the competing positions.
Why the DMA made the timing significant
The DMA requires designated “gatekeepers” to support specified forms of competition and user choice. Its main obligations began applying on March 7, 2024. Apple was designated for core platform services including the App Store, iOS, Safari and iPadOS. One of the most consequential changes for developers was a framework for alternative app marketplaces and app distribution in the EU.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Epic wanted to use its Swedish entity to create such a marketplace and eventually return Fortnite to EU iPhones. A developer-account termination at that moment therefore raised a broader question: could Apple use control of developer access to prevent a prospective rival marketplace from being built?
What the European Commission actually did
On March 7, the Commission said it was seeking information from Apple and Epic about the termination. That was regulatory scrutiny and fact-finding, not a final decision that Apple had breached the DMA in this specific incident. The distinction matters:
- Request for information: the Commission asks companies for facts and documents.
- Formal non-compliance investigation: the Commission opens a defined DMA procedure into suspected failure to comply.
- Preliminary findings: the Commission states a provisional view and gives the company an opportunity to respond.
- Final decision: the Commission reaches a binding conclusion and can impose remedies or penalties.
The March account episode did not produce a publicly announced standalone final Commission decision declaring the termination unlawful. The Commission’s announcement that DMA obligations applied is available at digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Apple reversed the termination within days
Epic said on March 8 that Apple had committed to reinstate Epic Games Sweden’s account after discussions with the Commission. Apple said Epic Sweden could re-sign the developer agreement and rejoin the Apple Developer Program after committing to follow Apple’s rules, including its DMA policies. The practical result was a restoration, not a court judgment or an announced coercive order.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe speed of the reversal made the incident an important early stress test for the DMA. Regulatory attention produced a usable outcome for Epic before its proposed marketplace was permanently blocked, while leaving the underlying legal merits unresolved.
Epic eventually launched an EU iPhone store
On August 16, 2024, Epic announced that the Epic Games Store was available for download on iPhones in the EU, initially featuring Fortnite, Fall Guys and Rocket League Sideswipe. Epic also announced distribution through independent mobile stores including AltStore PAL. The launch announcement is at epicgames.com.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
This was an EU-only development. Epic said the Epic Games Store and Fortnite remained blocked from iOS users outside Europe. The DMA did not automatically change Apple’s rules in the United States or other markets, and the EU launch did not make the store a worldwide iPhone alternative.
The broader Apple DMA proceedings are separate
The account dispute should not be conflated with the Commission’s later, broader Apple cases. On March 25, 2024, the Commission opened non-compliance investigations into App Store steering rules and began investigatory work concerning Apple’s fee structure for alternative app stores, including the Core Technology Fee. See the Commission’s March 25 announcement.
On June 24, 2024, the Commission issued preliminary findings that Apple’s steering rules prevented developers from freely directing consumers to alternative purchasing channels and opened an additional procedure concerning contractual requirements for third-party developers and marketplaces. Its announcement is at digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
On April 23, 2025, the Commission announced preliminary findings that Apple’s contractual terms for alternative app distribution breached the DMA, while closing a separate investigation into certain user-choice obligations. That announcement is at digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu. Those proceedings concern Apple’s distribution model generally; the available official material does not establish a final standalone finding that the March 2024 Epic account termination itself violated the DMA.
What alternative distribution means for iPhone users
Alternative marketplaces create a route around the App Store, but not around every Apple-controlled mechanism. EU users may install approved marketplaces and apps through Apple’s authorized process, while Apple continues to control important technical and contractual systems such as marketplace authorization, notarization, security checks, reporting and relevant entitlements. Apple describes those frameworks in its EU DMA developer documentation.
The result is more choice than before, not an unrestricted or identical replacement for the App Store. Catalogues, support, security responsibilities and discovery can differ from Apple’s store, and availability is geographically limited to the EU framework.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
What it means for developers and publishers
Leaving the App Store does not automatically eliminate Apple fees or compliance work. Apple’s documented EU alternative terms include the following figures, each subject to the applicable entitlement and contractual model:
| Charge or requirement | What Apple documents |
|---|---|
| Commission | 10% or 17%, depending on the developer and transaction circumstances |
| Payment processing | A possible additional 3% when Apple’s payment system is used |
| Core Technology Fee | €0.50 for qualifying first annual installs above the applicable threshold under the relevant terms |
| Operational obligations | Eligibility, notarization, marketplace authorization, security, reporting and contractual requirements |
Apple says developers on the relevant alternative terms receive one million first annual installs per year without the Core Technology Fee for each app, subject to the applicable rules. Marketplace operators are treated differently and may owe the fee from the first marketplace install. Consult Apple’s commissions and fees documentation and Core Technology Fee overview before modeling costs.
Epic has argued that the fees and restrictions still discourage competing stores. Apple says its terms reflect the value of its tools, technologies and platform services. Those are competing positions, not an established economic verdict. Developers should compare expected EU reach, payment revenue, support, security and compliance costs rather than assume that alternative distribution is automatically cheaper.
An ordinary Apple Developer Program membership is also not a shortcut around marketplace authorization. Apple lists the standard program at $99 per membership year and the Enterprise Program at $299 per year, subject to eligibility and regional conditions, in its enrollment documentation.
Keep the three Apple-Epic disputes separate
- The U.S. litigation: Epic Games v. Apple is private antitrust litigation with different parties, law and remedies.
- The March 2024 EU account episode: Apple terminated Epic Games Sweden AB’s account, the Commission sought information, and Apple restored access days later.
- The EU DMA proceedings: the Commission examined steering, alternative distribution, fees and contractual terms across Apple’s platform.
Calling the reinstatement a final “Epic victory,” saying the EU fined Apple over the account, or claiming that the Commission ordered Apple to restore it goes beyond the documented record.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2023 | The Commission designated Apple as a DMA gatekeeper for relevant services including the App Store and iOS. |
| March 2, 2024 | Epic says Apple terminated Epic Games Sweden AB’s developer account. |
| March 6, 2024 | Epic publicly announced the termination and alleged a DMA violation. |
| March 7, 2024 | The DMA’s main obligations began applying; the Commission sought information from Apple and Epic. |
| March 8, 2024 | Apple committed to reinstate or permit reinstatement of the account after discussions with the Commission. |
| March 25, 2024 | The Commission opened broader Apple investigations into steering and alternative-app-store fees. |
| June 24, 2024 | The Commission issued preliminary steering findings and opened an additional procedure on alternative-distribution terms. |
| August 16, 2024 | Epic launched its mobile store on iPhone in the EU. |
| April 23, 2025 | The Commission announced preliminary findings on Apple’s alternative-distribution terms and closed a separate user-choice investigation. |
What the episode means in 2026
Apple’s termination was a real March 2024 event, not a newly ongoing August 2026 investigation. The account was restored within six days of the reported termination, and Epic later launched its EU store. The lasting significance is institutional: the incident showed that Commission scrutiny could produce an immediate practical reversal, while the harder fight over fees, steering and Apple’s control of iOS distribution moved into broader DMA proceedings.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
