After two previous rejections, Apple has approved the Epic Games Store app for iOS in the European Union.
The initial rejections were because of the similarity between the app’s design elements and its App Store.
Specifically, Apple objected to the design and position of Epic’s ‘Install’ button, which was somewhat similar to its ‘Get’ button and the ‘in-app purchases’ label.
This new movement enabled Epic Games to launch its alternative app marketplace on Apple’s European platform.
This approval came after Apple faced public criticism from Epic over the rejections, which the company claimed were “arbitrary, obstructive, and in violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).”
However, the good news is that Apple has approved it, though it has reportedly told Epic that the company must still change the buttons in future app versions. Epic, though, has disputed this requirement.
Also read: Apple Lets Retro Games on the App Store
What specific design changes did Apple request from Epic Games?
Apple initially rejected the Epic Games Store app for iOS in the European Union due to concerns over the design and positioning of certain elements:
- Apple objected to Epic’s ‘Install’ button’s design and position, claiming it was too similar to Apple’s ‘Get’ button.
- Apple also deemed Epic’s ‘in-app purchases’ label to be too similar to the equivalent in the App Store.
Despite eventually approving the app, Apple has stipulated that Epic must alter the user interface in future updates. Specifically:
- Apple demands that Epic change the buttons in the following app version, which Epic says would make the store “less standard and harder to use.”
- Epic is disputing Apple’s request to change the buttons and user interface, arguing that the design choices follow standard conventions across app stores.
Apple wants Epic to modify the design and labeling of buttons and purchase-related elements in the Epic Games Store app to differentiate it more from the App Store’s look and feel.
However, Epic is resisting these changes, claiming they would negatively impact the user experience.