Apple to remove Epic Games from access to iOS/macOS dev tools

After Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple for removing Fortnite from the iOS App Store, Apple is threatening Epic Games by cutting access to iOS/macOS accounts and tools belonging to the Fortnite developer.

“[Apple] told Epic that by August 28, Apple will cut off Epic’s access to all development tools necessary to create software for Apple’s platforms—including for the Unreal Engine Epic offers to third-party developers, which Apple has never claimed violated any Apple policy.”

With that decision, Apple will be putting a roadblock to Epic Games and many developers who work in gaming, films, and various other industries that make use of Unreal Engine for iOS and macOS.

“Developers that intend to sell their apps for use on iOS or macOS devices will have to forgo the Unreal Engine in favor of other engines. The effects will reverberate well beyond video games; it will affect developers who use the Unreal Engine on Apple products in many fields. The ensuing impact on the Unreal Engine’s viability, and the trust and confidence developers have in that engine, cannot be repaired with a monetary award.”

“If the Unreal Engine can no longer support Apple platforms, the software developers that use it will be forced to use alternatives. The damage to Epic’s ongoing business and to its reputation and trust with its customers will be unquantifiable and irreparable. This is quintessential irreparable harm.”

Epic is currently asking for a preliminary injunction. “Preliminary injunctive relief is necessary to prevent Apple from crushing Epic before this case could ever get to judgment.”

Fortnite was removed from the iOS App Store since Epic Games enabled the direct payment feature on the popular game to skip the 30% Apple tax on in-app payments, which violates Apple’s guidelines.

Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store and has informed Epic that on Friday, August 28 Apple will terminate all our developer accounts and cut Epic off from iOS and Mac development tools. We are asking the court to stop this retaliation. Details here: https://t.co/3br1EHmyd8

— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) August 17, 2020

[Source]: @EpicNewsroom (Twitter): Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store and has informed Epic that on Friday, August 28 Apple will terminate all our developer accounts and cut Epic off from iOS and Mac development tools.