Update: Epic Games now says that Apple has granted an indefinite extension toFortnite using sign-in with Apple, but still recommends following steps to prepare for its removal.

As a result of the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, Fortnite players on iOS are strongly encouraged to update their login information as soon as possible in order to keep playing the game. Although it's still required to have had the game installed beforehand (as it can't be downloaded from the App Store anymore), it looks like players will still be able to enjoy Fortnite and complete challenges on iOS while Epic Games and Apple sort out their differences.

This is the most recent in a long string of complications that have ensued since Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store, citing Epic's "flagrant disregard for its contractual commitments and other misconduct." Essentially, Apple removed Fortnite from its online store after Epic Games introduced its own system of in-game transactions that bypassed the requirement to give Apple 30 percent of its profits. After Fortnite was removed, Epic Games sued Apple for violating antitrust law, and has since been entangled in a legal battle that doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Epic Games is also clashing with Google over a similar issue, despite Google doing all it can to distance itself from the dispute involving Apple.

Because of all of this, Epic Games recently posted an FAQ on its website advising existing iOS players to update their Apple ID with an Epic Games account in order to continue playing. Evidently, Apple is removing the former option from Fortniteon September 11th, 2020. Players can update their credentials by logging into the general settings (using the Apple ID) and updating their email address from there. Although the FAQ mentions that Epic Games may still be able to recover players' accounts if they miss the September 11th deadline, it is still highly advisable to manually update the login credentials beforehand in order to prevent any further complications.

Luckily, Apple still isn't blocking access to Fortnite for those who've already downloaded it, despite the tenuous nature of its relationship with Epic Games. This may seem like a small consolation, but this news also comes on the heels of Epic Games' temporary restraining order against Apple and Apple's filing for damages on Tuesday in return. Although the restraining order temporarily prevents Apple from terminating Epic Games' developer account, the impermanence of this agreement means that no day with Fortnite on iOS should be taken for granted, depending on which organization claims victory.

It is difficult to predict which company will come out on top of this legal scuffle. On the one hand, Epic Games claims that it is well within its rights to instate a direct payment service - going so far as to call Apple an "unlawful monopoly" - but on the other, Apple as a business entity does not see any profit if they continue to support the free-to-play Fortnite without earning a percentage of the in-game transactions. Although it's uncertain when the legal battle will end, the best thing players can do for now is to prepare for what is certain, and that means updating their login information, just in case.

Next: Epic Begs For Fortnite To Be Put Back Onto Apple's App Store In Court

Fortnite is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices.

Source: Epic Games