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Fortnite Removed from App Store by Apple

Apple Fortnite app store

According to the latest reports, Apple has removed the Fortnite app from the App Store after Epic Games added its own payment options.

Here’s what Apple says in a statement to The Verge:

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. As a result their Fortnite app has been removed from the app 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 has had apps on the App Store for a decade, and have benefited from the App Store ecosystem – including it’s tools, testing, and distribution that Apple provides to all developers. Epic agreed to the App Store terms and guidelines freely and we’re glad they’ve built such a successful business on the App Store. The fact that their business interests now lead them to push for a special arrangement does not change the fact that these guidelines create a level playing field for all developers and make the store safe for all users. We will make every effort to work with Epic to resolve these violations so they can return Fortnite to the App Store.

Epic Games on Thursday reported that it is giving “Fortnite” players the option to buy digital goods for up to 20 percent less than what Apple and Google would charge in their app stores.

“If Apple or Google lower their fees on payments in the future, Epic will pass along the savings to you,” Epic Games said in announcing the mobile direct-payment option on Thursday.

After Apple, it could be possible that Google may also take similar steps to remove the Fortnite app from its App Store.







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