When Will Fortnite Come Back to the App Store

iOS Users Still Want Their Fortnite Fix

It’s been nearly four years since Fortnite was removed from the Apple App Store, and iOS gamers continue to eagerly await its possible return. Unfortunately, as of mid-2024, there is still no official announcement regarding when or if Fortnite will be reinstated on the App Store. In the meantime, players have turned to alternative methods to enjoy Fortnite on their devices without losing progress or cosmetics, as all account data is shared across platforms.

Let’s explore the background of Fortnite’s removal, current options for playing on various devices, and what the future might hold for iOS users.

Why Was Fortnite Removed From The App Store?

Fortnite was removed from the Apple App Store in August 2020 due to violations of Apple’s App Store policies. Specifically, Epic Games bypassed Apple’s in-app purchase system by integrating a direct payment option within Fortnite. Apple requires all in-app purchases to be processed through its system, which takes a 30% commission on transactions.

Epic’s introduction of a direct payment option allowed players to buy in-game currency without Apple’s commission, leading Apple to remove Fortnite from the App Store in response. Following this removal, Epic Games filed a high-profile lawsuit against Apple, challenging the company’s App Store policies.

What About Android’s Play Store?

Similarly, Fortnite was also removed from the Google Play Store around the same time for violating Google’s payment policies, which also require developers to use Google Play’s billing system and take a 30% fee. However, Android users still have easier access to Fortnite compared to iOS users.

Android players can download Fortnite directly from the Epic Games website or install it via the Epic Games App. This process bypasses the Play Store but allows users to keep all their progress, skins, and cosmetics linked to their Fortnite account.

So, while Fortnite is unavailable on Google Play, Android users have a straightforward alternative to continue playing.

How Can I Play Fortnite If It’s Not On The App Store?

Fortnite remains available on multiple other platforms, including PC, Mac, and major gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch). If you have access to any of these, you can continue to enjoy Fortnite with all your account progress intact.

For iOS users, however, there is currently no native app version available through the App Store. The best alternative method is via cloud gaming services that support Fortnite, allowing players to stream the game without needing a native app installation.

Play Fortnite On iOS Using GeForce Now

GeForce Now is a cloud gaming platform by NVIDIA that streams PC games to various devices, including iPhones and iPads via the Safari browser. Since GeForce Now operates through streaming, it bypasses the need to download Fortnite from the App Store.

Here’s how to access Fortnite on iOS using GeForce Now as of 2024:

1. Sign up or log in to an NVIDIA account.
2. Join the GeForce Now waitlist for Fortnite streaming (currently in beta).
3. Become a GeForce Now member (free or paid options available).

Note that the free tier limits gameplay sessions to one hour, while the Priority membership, at $10 per month, extends sessions up to six hours and includes better graphics and frame rates. There’s also an RTX 3080 tier offering even longer sessions and premium features.

While this method still allows iOS users to play Fortnite with their existing account data, touch controls replicate the PC experience and might require adjustment.

Will Fortnite Ever Be Available On The App Store Again?

As of mid-2024, the legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple remains unresolved, and no official timeline exists for Fortnite’s return to the App Store. Both companies have made some moves toward settlement in recent years, but no concrete agreement has been announced.

If a resolution is achieved, Fortnite could potentially return to iOS devices through the App Store, but it may require changes to how in-app purchases are processed or other terms favorable to both parties.

Conclusion

In summary, Fortnite remains unavailable on the Apple App Store with no confirmed return date. Android users can continue playing by downloading the game directly from the Epic Games website. iOS users seeking access can try cloud gaming solutions like GeForce Now, which allow streaming Fortnite via Safari.

Stay tuned for updates on the legal developments between Epic and Apple, as this ongoing situation will determine Fortnite’s availability on iOS in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Following Fortnite’s removal from the App Store, Epic Games filed a high-profile lawsuit against Apple, challenging the company’s App Store policies. For more details on this legal battle, you can read about Epic Games’ actions.

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