Apple’s policies would have even blocked the World Wide Web if it had been invented after the iPhone, because Apple policies disallow running code not reviewed by Apple, accepting payments directly from customers, and accessing content not reviewed by Apple - all fundamental features of the web. Apple and Google’s policies take these freedoms away.Īpple’s policies are so restrictive that they block gaming services like Microsoft xCloud, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Google Stadia from existing on iOS. Software makers have the right to freely express their ideas and to compete in a fair marketplace. You, as a mobile device owner, have the right to install apps from sources of your choosing. As a matter of principle, we refused to do so. Their proposal was an invitation for Epic to collude with Apple to maintain its monopoly over in-app payments on iOS, suppressing free market competition and inflating prices. Further, Apple threatened to prevent Epic from creating software for all Apple devices - not just on Fortnite but all of our games, and Unreal Engine too.Īpple demanded that Epic revert Fortnite to exclusively use Apple payments.
Both Apple and Google retaliated by blocking Fortnite updates.
Epic gave Fortnite players on iOS and Google Play a choice between Apple/Google payment and Epic direct payment, passing on savings to direct purchasers.
