Epic Games, the creator of "Fortnite," has accused tech giant Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) of obstructing its efforts to establish a games store on iPhones and iPads in Europe.
This marks the latest development in the ongoing dispute over Apple's control of the iOS app ecosystem.
Epic Games reported that Apple has twice denied its submission to launch the Epic Games Store, citing similarities in the design of certain buttons and labels to those used by the App Store, Reuters reports.
According to Epic, their use of "Install" and "In-app purchases" follows standard conventions seen across popular app stores on various platforms.
They argue that Apple's rejection is arbitrary and violates the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
In March, under pressure from European regulators, Apple had agreed to allow Epic to set up its own game store on iOS devices in Europe. However, the current impasse suggests ongoing friction between the two companies.
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Epic has communicated its concerns about Apple's actions to the European Commission, seeking intervention.
Previously, Epic was barred from selling its products and services on the App Store and briefly lost its developer license for violating Apple's rules.
However, after the EU implemented its Digital Markets Act rules, the company regained its developer status.
Apple reversed its decision to ban Epic Games from launching its own app store on iOS in Europe, following pressure from European Union officials.
Apple stock has gained more than 15% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSE:VGT) and IShares U.S. Technology ETF (NYSE:IYW).
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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