EU regulators are seeking to interrogate Apple regarding allegations that the company prevented Epic Games from establishing its own app store, potentially violating new digital regulations implemented in the 27 EU member states on Thursday.

The ongoing conflict between the two companies has reached a new level. For several years, Epic, the developer of the widely-played game Fortnite, has been engaged in a legal battle against Apple’s monopoly on distributing apps for the iPhone.

On Wednesday, Epic claimed that Apple obstructed their efforts to establish their own marketplace for iOS apps as a direct competition to Apple’s App Store, stating that this action violates the new Digital Markets Act of the EU.

The extensive regulations, created to prevent large tech corporations from dominating digital markets, have compelled Apple to permit individuals in Europe to access iPhone apps from sources other than their own platform, something they have previously resisted.

The EU’s primary antitrust enforcer, the European Commission, announced on Thursday that it has asked Apple for additional clarification on the matter, as per the Directive on Digital Markets. Non-compliance with these regulations could result in substantial fines, potentially amounting to billions of euros.

The commission stated that they are reviewing whether Apple’s actions lead to uncertainty about their adherence to additional EU laws, such as the Digital Services Act. This legislation is part of the EU’s digital regulatory framework and prohibits technology companies from arbitrarily enforcing their terms and conditions.

Epic argued that Apple was openly disregarding the Digital Markets Act (DMA) by refusing to allow an alternate iPhone app store in Sweden intended for European Union customers.

The accusation against Apple was that they were seeking revenge for CEO Tim Sweeney’s harsh criticism, after he led an antitrust lawsuit against the iPhone App Store in the United States which ultimately had little success.

The reason given by Apple for their action was that it was deemed necessary due to Epic’s prior illegal actions and legal battles, which ultimately led to a court ruling in 2021.

Apple removed Epic from its App Store for attempting to bypass regulations that Apple claims safeguard the safety and confidentiality of iPhone users. This move also aimed to recoup some of the funds invested in maintaining one of the most widely-used devices in the world.

Apple stated that Epic’s violation of its contractual duties resulted in the courts allowing Apple to terminate any of Epic Games’ wholly owned subsidiaries, affiliates, or controlled entities at any time and at Apple’s sole discretion. Due to Epic’s previous and continued actions, Apple made the decision to exercise this right.

Source: wral.com