Fortnite has recently been banned from iOS devices, and millions of gamers everywhere are left wondering just what is happening.
While there is an explanation for the ban of one of the most popular games in the world, the truth is that it’s far from a simple matter. There are a lot of elements at play here and understanding them all is the key to figuring out what is happening.
Here’s everything we currently know about the Fortnite ban on iOS.
Why is Fortnite Banned on iPhone?
The Fortnite iPhone ban is based on developer Epic Games’ recent update to the iOS versions of the title.
In that update, Epic Games offered players the option to buy currency directly from their stores at a reduced price. By doing so, they would no longer need to pay Apple the 30% fee they charge approved apps for in-app transactions.
It seems clear that Epic Games knew this update would get Fortnite banned. Shortly after the ban, they filed legal papers against Apple and released a pre-produced video on the subject.
More importantly, it seems that Apple was intentionally making a statement with that update. Basically, they feel that Apple has too much control over the App Store. They also feel that they show preference to developers in regards to how they charge the 30% fee. Epic is seemingly worried that Apple is creating a monopoly.
Apple, meanwhile, says they enforce these policies for the safety of their users. They essentially say that they must curate the app store and enforce these restrictions in order to ward off dangerous incursions.
What Does the Fortnite iPhone Ban Mean?
The Fortnite iPhone ban means a few things. However, there are two major points to consider.
The first is that this ban means that Fortnite is no longer listed on the Apple App Store. That means that it’s no longer possible to download the app via the platform.
The other, incredibly important point to consider is that the iOS versions of Fortnite can no longer be updated by Epic. Previously, the mobile versions of the game were typically updated around the same time as the other versions. Now, the iOS version of Fortnite will exist as it was right before the ban.
Can I Still Play Fortnite on iOS Devices?
The quickest answer to this question is “Yes…kind of.”
If you downloaded Fortnite before the ban, you should find that Fortnite is still available on your device. Technically, Apple cannot delete it from your personal device. You’ll also still be able to play the game on your device with others who still have the current version downloaded.
Again, though, Fortnite on iOS can no longer be officially updated. At the very least, that means you’ll only be able to play the latest version of the game. However, that could also mean that Fortnite may essentially become unplayable on iOS depending on the nature of future software and system updates.
Can I Still Download Fortnite on iOS Devices?
While you can’t download Fortnite from the App Store, it may be possible to still download it to your device.
The simplest way to still download Fortnite requires you to have downloaded it before on your iOS device. If you go to the “Purchased” section of your iPhone account, you should still see the file for your previous Fortnite download. Simply tap on it, choose to download it again, and you should be set. At the time of this writing, that method still worked. It is, however, subject to change.
It’s also theoretically possible to still download Fortnite via a jailbroken iPhone. However, that method is not recommended for reasons you can probably guess. Considering that the app won’t be officially updated for quite some time, it’s just not worth the risk.
Can I Still Spend Money on Fortnite for iOS Devices?
As of the time of this writing, you are still able to spend money on the iOS version of Fortnite.
In fact, you’re still able to download currency directly from Epic, which is what caused this whole problem in the first place. It’s been suggested that the ability to spend money via the app may eventually be removed, but it hasn’t been removed quite yet.
In case you haven’t noticed, though, we strongly advise you don’t spend money on the iOS build if it’s the only one you play. There’s just no guarantee you’ll be able to properly play the iOS version of the game anytime in the near future.
When is Fortnite Coming Back to iPhone?
Apple has stated that they hope to work with Epic Games in order to bring the game back to iOS devices. However, the odds are against the game returning to iOS devices anytime in the near future.
Epic’s pending legal filings alone mean that the odds of Fortnite coming back to iOS anytime soon are thin. This is a battle of principles, and neither side seems willing to back down.
If it doesn’t return to iOS by the end of the year, we wouldn’t expect to see it for quite some time.
