Is Fortnite Mobile on iOS Ever Coming Back?

Gamers who enjoyed Fortnite Mobile on iOS devices were dismayed to see the game pulled from the App Store back in August 2020 after Epic Games entered into a messy legal battle with Apple.

Recently, an update seemed to hint at the possibility of Fortnite returning to iOS. However, upon closer inspection and comments from Epic Games themselves, it seems like this isn’t the case. 

Is Fortnite Mobile on iOS Ever Coming Back?

The quick answer to the question of whether Fortnite mobile is returning to iOS devices is no, it’s not. At least, not right now. In a recent hotfix, it appeared as though Epic Games removed the direct payment option from iOS.

This direct payment issue is what sparked the legal battle between Apple and Epic Games in the first place, so one would think that with the direct payment issue settled, Apple may allow Epic to offer Fortnite to iOS users again.

Unfortunately, this hotfix information looks to be inaccurate as an Epic employee noted the update was “released by mistake” (Source: Fortnite INTEL).

The phrasing “released by mistake” instead of saying the information is incorrect or false is interesting though. It could be nothing, or it could be possible that Epic Games had an “oops” moment and that they may be working to return Fortnite to iOS devices in the future. 

If that’s the case, we may hear more about the subject of returning to iOS later on in the future. We imagine that if (and that’s a big “if”) Epic Games were able to put Fortnite back on the App Store, it’d be under Apple’s terms. 

Paperwork would need to be signed, the direct payment issue would need to be addressed, and any potential leftovers from any ongoing legal battles between both companies would need to be resolved.

Keep in mind that as recently as November 17, 2020, Epic had filed a lawsuit against Apple in Australia regarding the company’s in-app payment processing, which drove Epic to make direct payments available (in violation of Apple’s terms) in the first place. 

It’s not impossible for Fortnite to be put back on the App Store and made available to iOS users. But again, it’s important to note that based on Epic’s statement and the hotfix information seemingly being “released by mistake” you shouldn’t expect Fortnite’s return to iOS anytime soon. 

As soon as we hear anything in regards to Epic putting Fortnite back on the App Store for iOS users, we’ll be sure to update you. Until then, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for the game’s return in 2021. 

Source: Fortnite INTEL

Related: Apple Bans Fortnite In App Store After Epic Games Lowers Price of V-Bucks, Apple Responds