Epic blames Apple because Fortnite users cannot play Marvel-themed season 4 on iOS

Epic is determined to keep throwing mud at Apple over the Fortnite problem it’s created for itself by deliberately bypassing Apple’s in-app payments. In an email sent to Fortnite players last evening, the developer has confirmed that Fortnite’s new Marvel-themed season won’t be on available on the iPhone, iPad and Mac, pointing the finger of blame squarely at Apple.

The email begins with this:

Apple is blocking Fortnite updates and new installs on the App Store, and has said they will terminate our ability to develop Fortnite for Apple devices. As a result, the Chapter 2 – Season 4 update (v14.00), did not release on iOS and macOS on August 27.

Players can still plat the previous versions but without any new content from the Chapter 2 – Season 4 Battle Pass. Cosmetic purchases will still work across all platforms. However, any new cosmetic items added after the v13.40 version will not be available in the player’s iOS Locker if purchased on a different platform.

iOS players are also unable to:

• Receive gifts introduced in v14.00 or later
• Complete new challenges, including Quick Challenges required for Derby Dynamo or specific Style Challenges for Harley Quinn
• Use Battle Lab, Duos and LTM game modes

Epic’s explanation for why this is happening:

Apple limits competition so they can collect 30 percent of consumer payments made in apps like Fortnite, raising the prices you pay. Epic lowered prices through a direct payment option, but Apple is blocking Fortnite in order to prevent Epic from passing on the savings from direct payments to players.

Epic has taken legal action to end Apple’s anti-competitive restrictions on mobile device marketplaces. Papers are available for our August 13, August 17, and August 23 filings. In retaliation for this action, Apple blocked your access to Fortnite updates and new installs on all iOS devices.

Although Fortnite has been pulled from the App Store because Epic has decided to shame Apple publicly, that doesn’t stop people who previously downloaded Fortnite on iOS to re-download the app. You can do so by opening the App Store, than tap your profile icon in the top-right corner and select Purchased from the list. Now find Fortnite in the list of previous purchases and click the Cloud or Download icon next to the Fortnite app.

Epic’s message confirms that users who already have Fortnite installed should be able to continue playing Chapter 2 – Season 3’s v13.40 update. But since the Season 3 Battle Pass ended on August 27, “further progression is not possible on any platform,” the message reads.

Epic fired another shot across Apple’s bow by informing its players in the email message that “Apple does not allow Epic Games to directly refund players and instead requires players to ask Apple for a refund.”

I think it’s best I keep any commentary to myself because I have a very strong opinion about it which doesn’t favor Epic, but I’m very much interested to hear what you think about this whole saga.

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