> It is not Apple's job to protect its customers from third party stores malware. They just have to build a secure OS with a safe apple store while allowing thi

> It is not Apple's job to protect its customers from third party stores malware. They just have to build a secure OS with a safe apple store while allowing third parties to provide stores. Yes... it is. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R1925 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A... (section 64 paragraph 3) > In all cases, the gatekeeper and the requesting provider should ensure that interoperability does not undermine a high level of security and data protection in line with their obligations laid down in this Regulation and applicable Union law, in particular Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Directive 2002/58/EC. The obligation related to interoperability should be without prejudice to the information and choices to be made available to end users of the number-independent interpersonal communication services of the gatekeeper and the requesting provider under this Regulation and other Union law, in particular Regulation (EU) 2016/679. "the gatekeeper and the requesting provider" Apple is still on the hook in combination with the requesting provider that doesn't intentionally deploy malware. Apple is likely claiming that Epic has in the past demonstrated clear and willful circumvention of their own security and rules. Apple would be putting itself at risk by allowing Epic to deploy applications given Epic's past history of intentionally trying to harm Apple's reputation and would compromise Apple's high level of security in data protection that it is required to follow under Union law. Apple would likely state that Epic has shown that it would intentionally break the law to harm Apple - and that's a believable concern.