Apple authorizes sideloaded Epic Games store after blocking it for a third time

Apple has finally authorized the sideloaded Epic Games store on iOS after blocking it three times, primarily due to concerns that the store's buttons closely resembled those on the official App Store. This was seen as a minor and arbitrary violation of the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates that Apple must allow alternate software distribution channels on its devices.

Previously, Epic Games had encountered several obstacles including a brief ban in March because the store's interface mimicked Apple's too closely. Apple pointed to terms of service clauses that mandate alternate app stores must not look confusingly similar to the official one. Despite these challenges, Epic's store has finally passed the submission checks.

Apple's actions have raised the possibility of a substantial fine, up to $38 billion, from the EU for alleged DMA violations. Another investigation is assessing whether Apple illegally restricted developers from informing customers about alternative payment options. Meanwhile, Apple's walled garden remains mostly intact outside Europe, despite scrutiny from regions like Japan, South Korea, and some US states.