Until you can download Fortnite again via the App Store on iOS, it probably won’t be until 2021. In the dispute between Apple and Epic Games, there is a new interim status in October 2020.
In the major dispute between Apple and Fortnite developer Epic Games, there is a new decision. It sounds like it will take months before you can download Fortnite again via the App Store on iOS – if at all.
This is what has happened so far:
- August 13: Epic Games allowed the purchase of the in-game currency “V-Bucks” directly in the game and thus bypassed Apple’s App Store fees.
- August 14: Apple and Google subsequently removed Fortnite from the App Store and Play Store.
- Players could no longer download updates or the game itself through the App Store.
- August 14: Epic Games sued Apple and Google.
- August 17: A dispute arose where Apple threatened to have all developer accounts of Epic developers closed, which it also did.
- August 24: A court ruled that access must be restored, and it happened.
- The case is still in court and no final ruling has been made yet.
What’s new now: Epic wanted to push for Apple to reinstate Fortnite in the App Store during the ongoing case.
On Friday, October 9, Judge Yvonne Gonzales Rogers denied Epic Games’ temporary restraining order against Apple (via TheVerge). Apple is not required to reinstate Fortnite in the App Store.
What does this mean for you?
For now, you will not be able to download Fortnite normally again through the App Store. As long as Epic Games does not decide to offer the sales of V-Bucks again as before and pay the fee to the App Store, this will not change.
When can Fortnite be downloaded again on iOS in the App Store? The process is not expected to begin before May 3, 2021. So from today, that would be about 7 months away.
Currently, it is assumed that you can download Fortnite via the App Store to your iPhone or other Apple devices at the earliest on this date.
Are you playing on PC while Fortnite is not available on your iOS devices? The Fortnite pro Ninja explains why building in Fortnite is “just dumb”.
