Fortnite, the popular battle royale game developed by Epic Games, has had a tumultuous relationship with iOS devices in recent years. Back in August 2020, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic Games violated the App Store guidelines by implementing their own in-app payment system to bypass Apple’s hefty commission fees. This sparked a legal battle between the two companies that is still ongoing.
However, there might be some hope for Fortnite fans who are eagerly waiting for its return to iOS devices. With the release of iOS 17, there are rumors that Fortnite could potentially make a comeback. But before you get too excited, there’s a catch that you might not like.
Apple has made some significant changes to its App Store policies, specifically regarding game streaming services. With iOS 17, Apple now allows game streaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Google Stadia to offer their services on iOS devices. This means that you can stream and play games from these platforms without having to download them directly from the App Store.
So, what does this mean for Fortnite? Well, Epic Games could potentially bring Fortnite back to iOS devices by utilizing this game streaming feature. They could offer Fortnite as a streaming service, similar to Xbox Cloud Gaming and Google Stadia. This way, players would be able to access and play Fortnite on their iPhones or iPads without having to download it directly from the App Store.
While this might sound like a good solution, it does come with some drawbacks. Game streaming services require a stable internet connection, and playing games through streaming can sometimes result in latency issues and reduced visual quality. Additionally, this approach would require players to have a subscription to the streaming service or pay a fee to access Fortnite.
Moreover, there are still legal battles between Epic Games and Apple that need to be resolved. It’s unclear how these ongoing legal disputes will impact the potential return of Fortnite to iOS devices. Until a settlement is reached or a judgment is made, the future of Fortnite on iOS remains uncertain.
While there is a possibility that Fortnite could make a comeback on iOS devices with the release of iOS 17, it might not be the ideal scenario for fans. The game could be offered as a streaming service, similar to Xbox Cloud Gaming and Google Stadia, which comes with its own set of limitations and potential fees. Additionally, the outcome of the legal battles between Epic Games and Apple will play a significant role in determining the future of Fortnite on iOS. Only time will tell if Fortnite will truly be back on iPhone.