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From Epic's filing, here is an excerpt from Apple's notice listing the Developer Program features that Epic will lose access to when its membership is terminate
by rgovostes 6y ago
From Epic's filing, here is an excerpt from Apple's notice listing the Developer Program features that Epic will lose access to when its membership is terminated:
- All Apple software, SDKs, APIs, and developer tools
- Pre-release versions of iOS, iPad OS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS
- Pre-release versions of beta tools such as Reality Composer, Create ML, Apple Configurator, etc.
- Notarization service for macOS apps
- App Store Connect platform and support (for example, assistance with account transition, password reset, app name issues)
- TestFlight
- Access to provisioning portal for certificate generation, and provisioning profile generation
- Ability to enable Apple services in-app (i.e. Apple Pay, CloudKit, PassKit, Music Kit, HomeKit, Push Notifications, Siri Shortcuts, Sign in with Apple, kernel extensions, FairPlay Streaming)
- Access to Apple-issued keys for connecting to services such as MusicKit, DeviceCheck, APNs, CloudKit, Wallet
- Access to Developer ID signing certificates and Kernel Extension signing certificates - Developer Technical Support
- Participation in Universal App Quick Start Program, including the right to use the Developer Transition Kit (which must be returned to Apple)
- Engineering efforts to improve hardware and software performance of Unreal Engine on Mac and iOS hardware; optimize Unreal Engine on the Mac for creative workflows, virtual sets and their CI/Build Systems; and adoption and support of ARKit features and future VR features into Unreal Engine by their XR team
The final item is very specific to Unreal Engine so it is clear that this is not simply a template e-mail and was crafted specifically for Epic. Thus we can assume that Apple legal, marketing, the executive team, etc. have pored over every line intently (despite misspelling iPadOS).
My guess is that this is intended to enumerate everything that Apple contributes to earn its 30% cut.
Epic themselves have now entered this list into the legal record, claiming that it would be incredibly damaging for them to lose access to these features. Perhaps it is now harder for them to argue that Apple's cut is excessive.
- fooey 6y agoBesides the Unreal the game engine, Epic has been making huge inroads leveraging Unreal as a virtual movie set, as seen on Mandalorian. I would assume most of the hardware used in movie production is Mac hardware, so that entire initiative just went up in smoke.
- onion2k 6y agoThe Unreal Engine backdrops for The Mandelorian were engineered and driven used multiple sync'd PCs, not Macs.
- dx034 6y agoOr Epic hoped for that reaction as it shows Apple's reaction to be out of proportion. Just banning the game would've been a logical move but destroying other businesses not related to the 30% cut in Fortnite could give them a much stronger case and convince a judge that Apple's actions are retaliation, not just a reaction to the violation. I'd be very surprised if Epic hadn't considered this reaction by Apple.
- deleted 6y ago[deleted]
- asdfasgasdgasdg 6y agoApple's 30% cut is not based on those other services (the services related to Mac, and the "services" involved in collaborating to make Apple devices more friendly to games). The 30% cut only applies to Fortnite. Epic would not owe Apple more than a few hundred bucks for all the rest, because Apple is doing that work to benefit themselves.
- theshrike79 6y agoApple is giving a bunch of stuff at cost or for free in exchange for the $100 developer fee in the hopes that one of those applications will become the new Flappy Bird and rakes in billions in 30% cuts.