The move will allow Epic Games to launch a competing app store in Europe

In a significant development, Apple has reinstated the developer account of “Fortnite” creator Epic Games in Sweden, following a heated dispute. This decision paves the way for Epic Games to proceed with its plans to launch a competing app store in Europe.

Earlier this week, Epic Games revealed that Apple had terminated its Epic Games Sweden AB developer account as a retaliatory measure against Epic’s intentions to introduce its Epic Game Store on Apple’s iOS platform in Europe.

Epic Games promptly responded, citing that Apple’s actions violated Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney took to social media platform X to announce that, following “a swift inquiry” by the European Commission, Apple agreed to restore access to Epic Games. Sweeney hailed this development as the “first major victory” for the DMA.

The swift resolution underscores the European Commission’s commitment to enforcing the Digital Markets Act and holding tech gatekeepers accountable, according to Epic Games. The company expressed its determination to proceed with its plans, emphasizing its intention to launch the Epic Game Store and bring “Fortnite” back to iOS in Europe.

In response, Apple issued a statement indicating that, following discussions with Epic, the company had committed to adhere to the rules, including Apple’s DMA policies. Consequently, Epic Sweden AB has been allowed to re-sign the developer agreement and has been reinstated into the Apple Developer Program.