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Epic Criticizes UK Decision Not to Mandate App Store Alternatives

By  |  July 24, 2025

Epic Games has voiced strong opposition to the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) recent decision not to force Apple to permit alternative app stores in the country. The gaming company claims the move jeopardizes the potential return of its hit title ‘Fortnite’ to iOS devices in the UK.

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    According to AppleInsider, the CMA announced on July 23 that the UK government is considering giving Apple and Google “strategic market status,” which would pave the way for new regulatory controls. The CMA has called for public feedback on the proposal. However, Epic Games has made clear its disapproval of the current direction.

    In a statement released the same day, Epic criticized the CMA’s regulatory roadmap, stating it “doesn’t open the mobile app ecosystem to competition in the UK,” per AppleInsider. The company expressed doubt about whether ‘Fortnite’ could return to the iOS platform under such conditions, calling its re-release “uncertain.”

    Epic further argued that the CMA’s approach delays any meaningful action on opening the app ecosystem until 2026 at the earliest. According to AppleInsider, the gaming firm described this as a “missed opportunity” to boost innovation and economic growth in a market it views as dominated by monopolies.

    Related: Apple Uses Supreme Court Ruling to Strengthen Antitrust Case Against App Store Order

    Epic contends that despite the CMA’s earlier findings—labeling Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store as parallel monopolies four years ago—there has been little tangible progress in encouraging competition. The company maintains that the presence of multiple app stores is a fundamental aspect of a competitive free market and claims that failure to foster this environment results in a “state-sanctioned monopoly” that ultimately harms developers and consumers alike.

    While the European Union has taken steps toward opening up app marketplaces through the Digital Markets Act, Epic criticized the UK regulator for having “deprioritized store competition entirely,” according to AppleInsider.

    Another key point of contention is the CMA’s stance on anti-steering provisions. While the regulator has suggested that developers should be allowed to guide users toward alternative payment systems and storefronts outside of traditional in-app purchases, Epic found the CMA’s statements on the matter lacking in detail. The company specifically criticized the absence of any mention of Apple’s imposition of what it calls “junk fees” and other alleged obstructions that have been used to undermine similar reforms in the EU.

    Source: AppleInsider