Why is Fortnite Not on Apple? Is Fortnite Still Banned on Apple? Why did Fortnite Get Banned on Apple?
by Kavitha | Updated Nov 30, 2023
Fortnite
Fortnite, created by Epic Games, is a 2017 online video game with three versions: Battle Royale, a free-to-play last-person-standing fight among 100 players; Save the World, a cooperative zombie-defense game for up to four players; and Creative, offering players the freedom to design their own worlds. Initially released in early access, Battle Royale soared in popularity, drawing over 125 million players in under a year and generating a staggering $9 billion in revenue by December 2019.
Save the World is available on macOS, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One, while Battle Royale and Creative expanded to Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, and the newer PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles. Despite its success, Fortnite faced issues on iOS after Apple removed it from the App Store in 2020. Epic's attempts to update the game with new features faced challenges due to Apple's restrictions, leading to the announcement that on January 30, 2023, the iOS version would become inaccessible for players under 18, reflecting the ongoing legal battle between Epic and Apple over App Store policies.
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Why is Fortnite Not on Apple?
Fortnite is no longer available for play on iPhones and iPads, and here's why in simple terms:
In August 2020, Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store, which is the place where you usually get apps for your iPhone or iPad. However, if someone had already downloaded Fortnite before it was taken down, they could still play it, but they wouldn't get any new updates.
Now, the company that made Fortnite, called Epic, has decided to make an older version of the game (v13.40) inaccessible for players under 18 on January 30. This is because that version doesn't have the latest features for parental controls and verification that Epic wants to include. Epic says they can't update the game properly because Apple won't let them.
Epic is also stopping the ability to spend V-Bucks, which is the in-game currency for Fortnite. Apple got upset with Epic when they created a different way to pay for V-Bucks, and Apple doesn't allow this. Apple wants all in-app purchases to go through its own payment system.
Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, hinted on December 31 that something might happen next year for Fortnite on iOS. This could be related to rumors that Apple might allow other app stores on its devices. Right now, Epic and Apple are in a legal battle over how much money Apple takes from app sales and other rules in the App Store. Epic lost the first round but is still trying to change things through an appeal.
Is Fortnite Still Banned on Apple?
As of the latest information available, Fortnite is still banned from the Apple App Store. Apple took this action as a result of a legal dispute with Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. The conflict began in August of the previous year when Epic Games attempted to bypass Apple's 30% fee on certain in-app purchases by introducing its own payment system.
The battle led to a court ruling in September, where a judge decided that Apple's App Store rules restricting developers from informing users about alternative payment methods were not allowed. However, the judge also mentioned that Epic Games didn't prove that Apple is an illegal monopolist, but did show some "anticompetitive conduct" under California laws.
Epic Games' CEO, Tim Sweeney, revealed on Twitter that Apple has now extended the ban on Fortnite in the App Store until all appeals in the legal case are finished. This appeals process could take several years. Despite this setback, Epic Games remains committed to fighting against what they see as Apple's "extraordinary anticompetitive move" in reshaping markets and influencing winners and losers.
Fortnite Game Modes
Fortnite offers three game modes, each with its own style:
Fortnite: Save the World:
Fortnite Battle Royale:
Fortnite Creative:
In all modes, players collect resources to build structures for defense, traversal, or creativity. While Battle Royale and Creative are free, Save the World requires payment. The games use V-Bucks for in-game purchases, earned through missions or bought with real money.
Why did Fortnite Get Banned on Apple?
Fortnite got banned on Apple in 2020 when Epic Games tried to avoid Apple's 30% fee on in-app purchases. Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store, sparking a legal battle. Although the court favored Apple, players found a way to play using cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and xCloud, bypassing Apple's ban. This makes the ban less effective. Whether Fortnite will return to the App Store depends on the ongoing legal dispute and negotiations between Epic Games and Apple.
Fortnite Trailer
Why is Fortnite Not on Apple - FAQ
Apple banned Fortnite in 2020 after Epic Games tried to avoid Apple's 30% in-app purchase fee.
Yes, as of now, Fortnite remains banned on the Apple App Store.
Players use cloud gaming services like GeForce Now and xCloud to play Fortnite on iOS devices.
The main issue is Epic Games challenging Apple's App Store rules and fees, leading to a legal battle.
It's uncertain; the return depends on ongoing legal negotiations between Epic Games and Apple.