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Fortnite could be playable again on iOS through a reported upcoming version of cloud streaming service, Nvidia GeForce Now, which would allow Epic Games to bypass the iOS App Store on iPhones.
Nvidia GeForce Now is a cloud streaming service that allows users to play their games wherever they have internet access. It's already available on PC, Android, and Mac. According to the BBC, a new version that runs on the Safari browser is expected to launch before the winter holidays, which could offer an avenue for iPhone users to play Fortnite on their phones once again. Nvidia has yet to comment on the report.
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Because Nvidia GeForce Now would go through Apple's web browser, Safari, instead of through its iOS App Store, the 30% commission cut Apple charges for software on its App Store would be a moot point. It's this 30% commission cut that saw Epic and Apple clash over the iOS version of Fortnite to begin with. Epic decided to bypass this cut by altering the price of Fortnite V-Bucks in a new direct payment system in response to Apple's "exorbitant" App Store fees earlier this year.
This eventually turned into a legal battle that later made its way in-game as an event for all players. As of today, Fortnite is not available on iOS. Epic has been working to get its 116 million iOS players back into Fortnite and Nvidia GeForce Now might be the solution.
This is all theory as of right now as neither Epic nor Nvidia have commented on the possibility, but there's no reason why Fortnite wouldn't be playable through the service. As with any cloud gaming, there is the possibility of lag, which in a game like Fortnite, could be problematic.
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Using the service to play Fortnite on iPhones could be free as Nvidia GeForce Now offers a basic tier of service for free. This is limited to one-hour sessions though, which could present another hurdle for iPhone players. For now, however, it's a waiting game.
During that wait, check out this Fortnite vs. Apple parody ad created by Epic and then then read about how Epic might be weaponizing Fortnite fans against Apple. If you're not familiar with the Epic vs. Apple court case, catch up on one of the latest rulings where a judge said Apple doesn't need to put Fortnite back on the App Store for now.
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Wesley Leblanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.