Fortnite fans be warned: delete the game from your iOS device, and you might not be able to get it back.
The game was removed from the iOS App Store following the launch of Fortnite’s new Mega Drop discount scheme.
The Mega Drop discount scheme gave Fortnite fans the chance to purchase cheaper V-Bucks (in-game currency) directly from Epic Games.
It was Epic’s attempts to bypass Apple’s 30% sales tax from everything purchased through the iOS App Store.
“Currently, when using Apple and Google payment options, Apple and Google collect a 30% fee, and the up to 20% price drop does not apply,” Epic explains. “If Apple or Google lower their fees on payments in the future, Epic will pass along the savings to you.”
Apple has since removed Fortnite from the iOS App Store, citing a violation of its terms and conditions.
“Today, Epic Games took the unfortunate step of violating the App Store guidelines that are applied equally to every developer and designed to keep the store safe for our users,” reads an Apple statement.
“As a result their Fortnite app has been removed from the store. Epic enabled a feature in its app which was not reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent of violating the App Store guidelines regarding in-app payments that apply to every developer who sells digital goods or services.”
Epic, meanwhile, has filed a lawsuit against Apple, arguing that the company uses a series of anti-competitive and monopolistic practices.
So what does this mean for Fortnite fans on iPhone and Apple devices?
The good news is that you can continue to play Fortnite on your iPhone if you already have the app installed with the latest version (13.40).
The item shop is still open for business, the current Battle Pass is still active, and the game remains playable online.
Sadly, however, it looks like iPhone users will be unable to download the next major update, not to mention Chapter 2, Season 4.
Instead, iPhone users will be stuck on the current version of the app until the issue between Apple and Epic is resolved.
It also means that if you delete Fortnite from your iPhone, you may not be able to re-download it at a later date.
Needless to say, if you want to continue to play Fortnite on your iPhone, you shouldn’t delete the app anytime soon.
If you’re worried about losing out on any of your purchases, Epic has told fans to contact Apple directly for a refund.
“Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t allow Epic Games to directly refund players for iOS purchases and instead requires players to ask Apple for a refund.”
Fans can enquire about a refund by visiting the following link.