Why did Apple ban Fortnite? (9 reasons)
If you’re a Fortnite fan, you’ve probably noticed that Apple banned it from the App Store. So, you might be wondering: Why is Apple banning Fortnite?
Well, I’ve been researching this and found several reasons why Apple banned Fortnite, so read on to find out what I’ve found!
Why is Apple banning Fortnite in 2022?
The main reason Apple banned Fortnite was Epic Games offering an external payment option for in-app purchases in 2022. Also, this external payment option is circulating in the App Store, which means Apple doesn’t get the 30% discount. app Store. Also, this violates the rules on the App Store and is therefore banned.
Do you want to know more about why Apple banned Fortnite? If so, read on to learn more about what led Apple to make this move!
1. Epic Games bypasses Apple for in-app purchases
The biggest reason why Apple decided to ban Fortnite in August 2020 was because Epic Games developed a payment system externally.
Additionally, this external payment system allows people to make in-app purchases directly from Epic Games, rather than using the App Store for in-app purchases.
2. Apple doesn’t get 30% of the App Store fee
Since Epic Games created its own external payment system, Apple banned Fortnite because the company didn’t take a 30% cut on Fortnite.
So Apple isn’t amused or impressed by hosting Fortnite on its App Store without receiving part of an in-app purchase and quickly removing the app from it.
3. Epic Games violates App Store rules
Apple banned Fortnite from the App Store because it violated the rules for using the App Store for in-app purchases.
Furthermore, by violating these rules, Apple believes it is right to ban the game.
4. Apple claims willful breach of contract
A big problem with Epic Games is that by letting an external payment system bypass the App Store, Apple claims it is a deliberate breach of contract.
Therefore, since bypassing the App Store for in-app purchases was a premeditated decision, Apple believes it has the right to remove Fortnite because it violates the app developer’s terms.
5. Discounts on app updates if in-app purchases are made through the Epic Games website
Another issue is that if users purchase the in-game currency “V-Bucks” through the Epic Games website, the app update gives them details about the discount.
Additionally, Apple banned the game because the app was the source of in-app purchases that lured users to its website.
In contrast, apps like Netflix only offer subscription options on their website, not through the app, and don’t mention subscriptions through the app.
Not mentioning subscriptions in the app is a workaround so the app in question doesn’t violate the App Store rules, which is where Epic Games screwed up.
6. Apple claims Epic Games’ rules are different from everyone else’s
Apple fought Epic Games in court and said Fortnite had been banned because Epic Games played by different rules than everyone else.
Additionally, Apple said Fortnite could reappear on the App Store if Epic Games did play by the same rules as everyone else, but Apple wants Epic Games to play fair.
7. Apple claims 30% cut is important for hosting Fortnite costs
Apple is very upset about Epic Games bypassing the App Store bypassing the 30% fee, which Apple says is required to host apps on the App Store.
For example, Apple maintains strict security for apps in the App Store. This allows customers to download apps safely, but it costs money to keep those apps safe.
8. Apple is running out of legal appeals
The lawsuit between Apple and Epic Games ended with a judge issuing a permanent injunction against Apple, meaning it must allow other in-app purchases.
However, even though this should have brought Fortnite back to the App Store, Apple is fighting back and exhausting legal appeals. Until these appeals are over, Fortnite will be banned.
9. Apple controls its app store and sets the rules
Apple bans Fortnite because the company controls its App Store, including the apps it allows on the App Store, and can ban apps for any reason because it sets the rules.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on whether Apple AirPods are trackable, whether Apple is a Chinese company, and whether Apple Pens work with Android.
in conclusion
Apple banned Fortnite from the App Store, mainly because Epic Games offered users an alternative payment method for in-app purchases. Additionally, Epic Games used the app to tell users to go to the site, which is a direct violation of App Store rules.
In addition, Apple maintains that Epic Games knowingly violated the rules of the App Store, which Apple reserves the right to remove because it differs from everyone else’s rules.