Apple has put Epic Fortnite on iOS on an indefinite pause

Epic has validated it will not be releasing its upcoming Fortnite season, Chapter 2: Season 4, for iOS or macOS, stating the ongoing antitrust dispute with Apple over in-app payment processing and other App Store disputes has blocked it from issuing updates and current installs on Apple devices.

While this was a presumed development after Fortnite’s removal earlier this month, epic suggested it could happen the day the app was pulled the season’s launch on Thursday; August 27th had been quick approaching without a formal word from Epic on its programs.

“Apple is blocking Fortnite updates and new installs on the App Store and has announced they will end our ability to develop Fortnite for Apple devices.

As a result, Fortnite’s recently released Chapter 2 Season 4 update (v14.00), will not release on iOS and macOS on August 27,” reads a new update on Epic’s FAQ dedicated to its standoff with Apple.

“If you still need to play Fortnite on Android, you can reach the latest version of Fortnite from the Epic Games App for Android on Fortnite.com/Android or the Samsung Galaxy Store.”

One part Epic had to contest with was whether it could change the judge leading over its lawsuit upon Apple to declare a temporary restraining order preventing Apple from having Fortnite off the App Store and blocking Epic’s updates.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers managed late Monday following a conference earlier that evening, giving Epic the controlling order but only with honor to its Unreal Engine business, which Apple was also targeting with a warning to terminate the associated developer account.

That meant Apple was not expected to restore Fortnite to the App Store, and Epic was applied to plan around the point that it would not be capable of distributing updates to the iOS or macOS versions of the game.

Apple has told Epic can commonly return the update that performed its own in-app payment processing system to continue distributing and updating Fortnite on iOS and macOS.

But Epic has declined, stating in a new blog post published Aug 26, 2020, titled, “Why We Fight,” that Apple’s proposal is an “invitation for Epic to cooperate with Apple to keep their monopoly” and that Epic “as a matter of principle… won’t engage in this scheme.”