Well, it was relatively quiet on the Apple/Epic Games/Fortnite front, but that’s changed this week.
Today, Epic Games tweeted out from its official account that Apple will “no longer allow users to sign into Epic Games accounts using ‘Sign in with Apple’ as soon as September 11, 2020”. The company suggests that users who do sign into their accounts with the feature make sure their emails and passwords are up to date.
Tutorial: How to use and manage Sign in with Apple
It’s an important detail, because the users who don’t update their credentials, and continue to rely on Apple’s sign-on feature, won’t actually be able to log into their accounts once Apple disables it.
Apple will no longer allow users to sign into Epic Games accounts using āSign In with Appleā as soon as September 11, 2020. If you used āSign In with Appleā, please make sure your email and password are up to date. https://t.co/4XZX5g0eaf
— Epic Games Store (@EpicGames) September 9, 2020
Apple introduced Sign in with Apple as a way to sign into a variety of apps and services without directly sharing an email address if the user wishes. It allows the user to sign in with their Apple ID instead, adding another layer of security and privacy. The ability to hide the user’s email makes it a bit more privacy-focused than, say, signing in with Google or Facebook, according to Apple.
Apple isn’t a stranger when it comes to disabling things related to Epic Games as it continues its legal battle with the company. Apple terminated Epic Games’ App Store and developer accounts in late August.
The timeline
August 13, 2020
- Epic Games updatesĀ Fortnite on the server-side, bypassing the App Store review process. It adds a direct payment option, breaking another rule in the process.
- Apple removesĀ Fortnite from the App Store due to Epic Games breaking the App Store rules.
- Epic Games launches a media blitz, and it also sues Apple for anti-competitive behavior.
- Epic launches āNineteen Eighty-Fortniteā, a parody video of Appleās original ā1984ā ad:
- Google removesĀ Fortnite from the Play Store, as Epic Games also violated the Play Storeās rules.
- Epic sues Google, too.
- Spotify weighs in! Unsurprisingly, it applauds Epic Games for its decision to stand up against Apple.
August 14, 2020
- Facebook says Appleās App Store fees make it impossible to help small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
August 17, 2020
- Apple threatens to revoke Epic Gamesā developer accounts for not only iOS, but also macOS. That cut-off is set to take place on Friday, August 28, 2020.
August 18, 2020
- Apple issues an official statement on the matter in response to Epic Games.
- Epic Games is revealed to have sought a coalition of āApple criticsā to help fight against Apple.
August 20, 2020
- TheĀ Wall Street Journal and other news publications sign an open letter asking for Apple to reduce its App Store fees down to a standard 15%.
August 21, 2020
- Epic Games promotes the #FreeFortnite Cup, or tournament, that is meant to bring even more attention against Apple, and is promoting āanti-Appleā prizes.
- Epic sought special treatment forĀ Fortnite before it declared war against Apple and the App Storeās guidelines.
August 24, 2020
- Judge Gonzalez-Rogers rules that Apple does not need to reinstateĀ Fortnite back into the App Store as the legal battle wages on. The judge also rules that Apple cannot revoke the Unreal Engine development tools, but itĀ can still move forward with removing Epicās developer account for iOS and macOS.
- Apple says it agrees with the ruling made by Judge Gonzalez-Rogers, and is prepared to welcomeĀ Fortnite back onto iOS as soon as Epic Games is ready to follow the App Store guidelines.
August 26, 2020
- Epic confirms that the new season ofĀ Fortnite, which is Marvel-themed, will not be available on iOS or Mac. Cross-platform functionality with those platforms is also removed.
August 28, 2020
- Epic letsĀ Fortnite players know in an email that it’s Apple’s fault they can’t play the new season of the game.
- Apple revokes Epic Games’ App Store and developer accounts.
September 8, 2020
- Apple countersues Epic Games in what it claims is a “breach of contract” related to its App Store practices.