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Epic Games CEO Says Apple Should Be Paid for App Review Only, Not External Purchase 'Junk Fees'
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Bottom line: Apple has every right to control its own ecosystem. Both users and developers make a voluntary choice to use Apple products - no one is forced onto the platform. Apple built iOS from the ground up, invested billions in creating a secure and premium user experience, and maintains the infrastructure that makes the App Store possible.
Apple didn’t treat Epic Games any differently than it treats any other developer. Epic knew the rules, agreed to them, deliberately violated them, and faced the same consequences any developer would face for breaking their agreement. Epic essentially tried to have it both ways - benefiting from Apple’s massive user base and trusted platform while refusing to follow the same terms every other developer accepts.
If Epic or any developer doesn’t like Apple’s terms, they’re free to focus on Android, web apps, or other platforms. The fact that they desperately want access to iOS users proves the value Apple has created. Apple invested decades building that value, and they have the right to set reasonable terms for access to it. The courts largely agreed - finding that Apple’s practices don’t constitute an illegal monopoly and that their integrated approach serves legitimate business interests in security, privacy, and user experience.
Apple didn’t treat Epic Games any differently than it treats any other developer. Epic knew the rules, agreed to them, deliberately violated them, and faced the same consequences any developer would face for breaking their agreement. Epic essentially tried to have it both ways - benefiting from Apple’s massive user base and trusted platform while refusing to follow the same terms every other developer accepts.
If Epic or any developer doesn’t like Apple’s terms, they’re free to focus on Android, web apps, or other platforms. The fact that they desperately want access to iOS users proves the value Apple has created. Apple invested decades building that value, and they have the right to set reasonable terms for access to it. The courts largely agreed - finding that Apple’s practices don’t constitute an illegal monopoly and that their integrated approach serves legitimate business interests in security, privacy, and user experience.
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They are and the partial overturn of the original ban reinforced that they are. I don’t understand why people Get so up in arms about this. More below.
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Why do people get so up in arms. It’s not illegal but clearly not liked in some countries. I don’t understand the amount of emotional energy spent in online forums criticizing Apple.
Safari was built on open standards. It’s a bit difference than sitting upon anoriopeotsry platform.
Apple has established rules and why have not really changed much over time.
Something that started in 2008 and wasn’t illegal and grew from there.
Sweeny still attempted to defraud Apple and started a course of action that was not in the best interests of his company. While Apple may not stand on top of the mountain of right, Sweeney is in the valley of the wrong.
If it's so clear cut and rock chalk super solid ... why did courts only "largely agree"?
Epic games must find some value in Apple’s iOS platform, otherwise they wouldn’t be using it. It doesn’t have to be a “serious platform” as in a platform used in professional gaming to be of value.
To me it wasn’t controversial (ymmv)!to add his voice into the fray of this topic. It’s just good business sense.
I would tell you what I think of Tim Sweeney but most of the words aren't allowed on this forum.
Oh no you found the plot hole that will make Sweeney throw his dinner around so people will have a distraction.
Strongly support Epic here. It's time to get over this idea that we owe our very existence to these platforms. Our mobile devices are now general purpose computers, and should be treated that way.
Ye, this is all about who gets the biggest cut of the pie. I'm sure Sweeny would have a different POV if he was forced to allow 3rd party add-ons and objects in his games, use third party payment processes instead of v_Bucks, and not get a 50% cut.
Because they reach a lucrative audience and make a lot of money if it is a hit?
I'm often amazed at the extent of the vitriol for the Tims (both of them) on the forum.
I don't think any of us have met either of them or know them at all, so it's a little worrying how "personal" the attacking verbiage seems to get.
I don't think any of us have met either of them or know them at all, so it's a little worrying how "personal" the attacking verbiage seems to get.
I think Apple shuld just allow sideloading and let users sandbox their data if they want. That way, developers have a choice, use Apple's App Store and play by their rules and pricing, or go to another store. The market decides what is the best deal.
MacRumors has great stories but needs to better manage the tags used for stories.
For example the "Epic Games" tag on this story won't bring up the previous story that set context for this: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/11/apple-app-store-fees-external-payment-links/
That story has the 'Guide' tag but not the short 'Epic Games' tag.
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For example the "Epic Games" tag on this story won't bring up the previous story that set context for this: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/11/apple-app-store-fees-external-payment-links/
That story has the 'Guide' tag but not the short 'Epic Games' tag.
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I have been told here on MR many times in the past that less than 1% of Android users actually do side loading.
What "market" is it that "decides" what's best?
The vast majority of smartphone users doesn't care about side loading ...
That "vast majority" can keep doing what they are doing, and the rest can do as they wish. It doesn't have to one or the other.
Both sides are happy.
It absolutely is unusual. Epic's company position was that the App Store helps indie developers "flourish".
Tim Sweeney is an annoying guy. He also has a habit of being that “the worst guy you know just made a good point” Onion meme.
I get why that drives people crazy.
I get why that drives people crazy.
I do believe that side loading poses a security risk, you can disagree, and I certainly do not want to experience a "Windows world" where viruses, malware etc rule, "anti virus" SW is required and my concern is that iOS would become a similar "experience", no thank you.
And yes, you guys tell me that won't happen and that people should check what they install, keep living in that dream world
So Tim Sweeney thinks Apple should provide hosting and delivery services to him for free? FO.
Why compare it to Windows instead of macOS? It's been figured out.
Either way, as I said, let that be the users choice. The 99% of people that supposedly are happy can never venture outside of the app store and iOS ife will be exactly the same. The others can decide something different.
I guess Epic should have to write their own code with no libraries or tools or anything to get their software compiled and working on the devices then?
I mean all those engineers and tech writers publishing documentation, making the SDKs, keeping Xcode updated, how do they think that is paid for? magic?
I mean all those engineers and tech writers publishing documentation, making the SDKs, keeping Xcode updated, how do they think that is paid for? magic?
These people can just do what they, presumably, do right now on their Mac!
have some respect for 3rd party apps. I love Apple apps but make no mistakes most of my interactions with the world are through 3rd party apps and services from YouTube all the way to photoshop. They make the Apple device better. And even reading and communicating with you here on MacRumors, I would HATE if Apple said they wanted 30% commission because im using an Apple device. It's unethical. I completely agree with Sweeny that Apple has a cost to review apps and that should be paid for. But for Apple to get a cut of other businesses after the fact WAS unlawful and hopefully the fee is not too much.