After the elimination of Fortnite from the Google Play Store and App Store, here's how to continue playing on Android and iOS devices
The first act of the challenge launched by Epic Games to Google and Apple has led to the elimination of the Fornite app from the Google Play Store and App Store. But this is only a first round that will see Epic Games on one side, which does not accept having to pay 30% of the revenues produced by Fortnite on mobile to the two companies, and on the other side Google and Apple that accuse the software house of not respecting the rules that all other companies (large and small) follow to publish their apps on the two online stores.
In the middle of this fight there are the users, who play the role of victims and follow the evolution of the story to understand what to do and if they can still use the Fortnite app on tablets and smartphones. For the moment Fortnite is still working on devices where it had already been installed, while it can no longer be downloaded because the app has been removed from the Google Play Store and App Store. Will those who want to continue playing Fortnite from Android and iOS be able to do so in the future? Let's try to give an answer to this question.
Why Fortnite is no longer available on Android and iOS
The Fornite app has been deleted from the Google and iOS mobile store and the reason is quite simple. On August 13, 2020, Epic Games decided to add a new payment method on Fornite's app that circumvents the requirement that 30% of revenues go to Google and Apple. This method goes against the rules imposed by the Google Play Store and the App Store, and the two companies promptly removed the Fortnite app from the online stores.
How to play Fortnite on Android
Those who have already installed Fornite via the Google Play Store will be able to continue playing without any problem, but they will not receive any updates. The latest version available is 13.40 and you won't be able to access the new season (Season 4 Chapter 2) when it becomes available.
Android users, however, have alternative ways to download the always-updated Fornite app: Samsung's online store (only for devices from the South Korean company), or directly from Epic Games' website via APK.
How to play Fortnite on iPhone and iPad
For those who play Fortnite from an iPhone or iPad, the issue is very similar to that for Android users. Those who have already downloaded the app will be able to continue playing it, but they will not receive any new updates, starting with the new season. Also, since iOS is a closed operating system, users will not be able to download the app from third-party stores.