Fortnite was removed from the iOS App Store in 2020 due to a legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple. This means that iPhone users have not been able to download or play the game natively on their devices for over 3 years now. However, there are still a few methods that allow you to play Fortnite on your iPhone in 2024.
Use Cloud Gaming Services
Cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now and Amazon Luna allow you to stream Fortnite to your iPhone browser. This bypasses the App Store restrictions since you are just streaming the video/audio – the game itself runs on servers operated by these companies. Here’s how to use each service:
Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Open the Safari browser on your iPhone
- Go to xbox.com/play
- Sign in with your Xbox/Microsoft account
- Search for Fortnite and launch the game
- A touchscreen controller overlay will appear, or you can connect an Xbox controller via Bluetooth
Nvidia GeForce Now
- Open Safari and go to the GeForce Now website
- Sign in with your Nvidia account (free membership allows 1 hour sessions)
- Search for Fortnite and start playing! You can upgrade to a paid membership for longer sessions.
Amazon Luna
- Install the Amazon Luna app from the App Store
- Subscribe to Luna+ or link your Amazon Prime account
- Launch Fortnite from the Luna app and log in to your Epic Games account
The major benefit of cloud gaming is that you can pick up where you left off on other platforms since everything is linked to your Epic Games account.
Use Remote Desktop Apps
Remote desktop apps like Steam Link allow you to remotely access a PC where Fortnite is already installed. Then you can play the full desktop version streamed to your iPhone.
- Download the Steam Link app from the iOS App Store
- Ensure Fortnite is installed on your PC
- Connect your iPhone and PC to the same Wi-Fi network
- Open the Steam Link app and select your PC
- Start Fortnite on your PC and the video and controls will be streamed to your iPhone
The main downside is that you need a powerful gaming PC in addition to a fast home internet connection for the best experience.
Use GeForce Now Safari Workaround
This workaround allows you to play the touchscreen mobile version of Fortnite by fooling GeForce Now into thinking you are on an Android device.
- On your iPhone, open Safari and search for “Fortnite Android”
- Open the GeForce Now link for Fortnite and tap Play
- When prompted about system compatibility, tap Continue Anyway
- Sign in and launch Fortnite through GeForce Now
- The mobile touchscreen layout will be enabled so you can play just like the Android version
While a bit clunky, this gives you the official Fortnite mobile gameplay on an iPhone – complete with proper touch controls and HUD layout.
The Future of Fortnite on iOS
There is still no definitive timeline for Fortnite returning natively to the iOS App Store. The legal appeals process between Epic and Apple is still ongoing.
However, these streaming and remote access workarounds allow iPhone owners to continue enjoying Fortnite Mobile in 2024. And with 5G and Wi-Fi 6 becoming more widespread, streaming performance is only going to improve over time.
So, while iOS users may never get official Fortnite support back, cloud gaming and remote access solutions ensure you can drop onto the Battle Bus for years to come. Just make sure to optimize your connectivity and in-game settings for the best experience.