Apple nixes ‘Fortnite’ maker’s ability to make EU app store

Apple terminated Epic’s development account, preventing the gaming company from bringing Fortnite and the Epic Games Store to Apple’s iOS devices in the EU, the software company said in a statement. — Reuters

Apple Inc has stopped Epic Games Inc from opening its own app store for iPhone customers in Europe, a move the Fortnite maker says is a response to its criticism of the tech behemoth and a breach of sweeping new antitrust rules in the region.

Apple terminated Epic’s development account, preventing the gaming company from bringing Fortnite and the Epic Games Store to Apple’s iOS devices in the EU, the software company said in a statement March 6. Epic said this was a “serious violation” of the European Union’s new Digital Markets Act, which aims to increase competition in the industry.