Apple gives 'indefinite extension' for Sign In with Apple on 'Fortnite'

Epic Games originally announced on September 9 that Fortnite was losing its Sign In with Apple feature on September 11. The said date came, and Epic released an update saying Apple is giving them an "indefinite extension" to use it. The developer still recommends preparing for its removal by signing in with an email address and password instead of relying on Sign In with Apple. The feature is similar to what Google and Facebook offer, where you're allowed to register/sign in to an account or service using your Apple ID. Apple promises it offers greater privacy with options like Hide My Email. 

It isn't clear why Apple decided to extend Epic's access to the feature given how their legal fight continues to escalate.

Source: MacRumors

Apple seeks damages from Epic Games for breach of contract

Apple is going on the offensive and seeking damages from Epic Games for allegedly breaching its contract with the iOS App Store. In a wide-ranging motion filed on Tuesday afternoon, Apple defends itself against Epic's legal charges while accusing the Fortnite maker of outright theft.

The filing reads, "Epic's flagrant disregard for its contractual commitments and other misconduct has caused significant harm to Apple. Left unchecked, Epic's conduct threatens the very existence of the iOS ecosystem and its tremendous value to consumers."

Click to read more ...

Epic Games files preliminary injunction to allow 'Fortnite' back on Apple App Store

Epic Games' latest move following its developer account termination by Apple is asking the courts to allow Fortnite back on the App Store and restore its developer account. Epic claims in its filing that it was challenging Apple "because it was the right thing to do" and that it was "better positioned than many other companies to weather the storm." Epic calls Apple a "monopolist" who keeps its dominant spot by "explicitly prohibiting any competitive entry" when it comes to in-app payment processing and app distribution.

But while it can weather the said storm, the developer said that Fortnite not being available on the App Store will cause it to "likely suffer irreparable harm." That the "balance of harms tips strongly in Epic's favour," with daily iOS active users dropping by over 60% since its removal from Apple's storefront.

Click to read more ...

'Fortnite,' other Epic games gone after Apple deletes developer's account

Embed from Getty Images

 As the company promised, Apple has terminated Epic Games' account that it uses to support and maintain Fortnite and the other games like the Infinity Blade apps. Epic has already warned its iOS and macOS users that they would lose the ability to update Fortnite after August 28.

In a statement, Apple said the developer sent multiple updates for certification, which violated its guidelines.

"We are disappointed that we have had to terminate the Epic Games account on the App Store. We have worked with the team at Epic Games for many years on their launches and releases. The court recommended that Epic comply with the App Store guidelines while their case moves forward, guidelines they've followed for the past decade until they created this situation. Epic has refused. Instead, they repeatedly submit Fortnite updates designed to violate the guidelines of the App Store. This is not fair to all other developers on the App Store and is putting customers in the middle of their fight. We hope that we can work together again in the future, but unfortunately, that is not possible today."

Click to read more ...