Epic Games, SportyBuy, and Others Launch Alternative App Stores
"Cracks Form in Apple's Ecosystem Centered in Europe"
There is an analysis that the so-called ‘iPhone ecosystem,’ which Apple has kept strictly closed for reasons such as security, is loosening.
Epic Games, the creator of the popular game Fortnite, announced on the 16th (local time) that it will launch an alternative app store for iPhone users in Europe.
Until now, Apple has only allowed downloads and payments within its own controlled App Store. Therefore, what was previously only downloadable from the Apple App Store can now be downloaded from other app stores as well.
Apple was sued by Epic Games in the United States regarding iPhone payment methods, and after a four-year lawsuit, a court ruling was made to allow external payment systems.
Additionally, Spotify, the world's largest music platform, has started this week to direct European iPhone users to subscribe to music on its website through links.
Having app stores other than the Apple App Store and directing subscription applications to the respective company’s site has not been allowed on iPhones until now. So far, iPhone users could only subscribe through the Apple App Store, and companies have paid commissions to Apple.
Apple also announced that starting from the new operating system iOS 18.1 version, expected to be released around the fourth quarter, it will open the iPhone payment chip to external parties to allow payment methods other than Apple Pay. Accordingly, technically, Samsung Pay and Google Pay can also be used on iPhones.
This change is due to pressure against monopolies. Under strong antitrust pressure from regulatory authorities in countries including the United States and the European Union (EU), Apple has finally begun to open its closed ecosystem.
In particular, the European Union (EU) has enforced the Digital Markets Act (DMA) since March to curb big tech monopolies. Earlier, the EU Commission provisionally concluded in June that Apple’s closed App Store operation violated the DMA and warned of a large fine.
This law, which requires big tech companies like Apple to open their product and service ecosystems to the outside, imposes a fine of up to 10% of global sales if violated.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, “External developers can escape Apple’s control and bypass the commissions paid to Apple through this.”
It added, “New regulations, antitrust laws, and rulings centered on Europe are cracking Apple’s ‘walled garden.’”
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