Fortnitehas been making more headlines than usual of late thanks to a legal dispute between its publisher and Apple.The main issue between Epic Games and Appleis over the current state of app stores and the monopoly that Apple has on its devices. The situation has led toFortnitebeing removed from the Apple App Store and as a result, the game is not purchasable on the phones of the manufacturer.
When Epic Games undercut the service of the App Store by offering purchases directly without giving Apple a 30% share, there was always going to be a dispute between the two industry giants. Apple severed ties with Epic Games and removedFortnitefrom the App Store, and both are taking legal action against one another.Fortnitehas even made a promotional video that some have claimed hasweaponized fans against Apple. Amid this drama is a unique financial opportunity for iPhone owners.
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Games likeFlappy Birdcaused eBay price warswhen they were removed, as players attempted to purchase devices that had the app already and this seems to be what certain iPhone owners are hoping will happen again. Sellers are listing iPhones for up to $10,000 with the promise of havingFortniteinstalled. As Apple can not delete the existing app, this is one way for players to continue enjoying the game on the mobile market. However, these kinds of listings are more niche than theFlappy Birdsaga and as a result, it seems that the iPhones withFortniteinstalled may not sell as well or with as much profit.
Other app stores still offerFortnitesuch as the Samsung Galaxy Store and with that in mind, it seems unlikely that fans would pay significantly more for an Apple phone with the application. With that said, thesituation between Apple and Epic Gamesis becoming increasingly dramatic with Apple threatening to remove all software using the Unreal Engine tools, essentially making it useless to developers who want to tap into the Apple phone market. If this does happen then the substantial price of these phones may be justified for some dedicated fans and collectors.
ThisFortnite’s legal battle is having huge ramifications, and, unsurprisingly, entrepreneurial-minded people are attempting to make a profit from the situation. While many will see the price of these phones as ludicrous if the situation continues to escalate it may become a wider spread practice.
Fortniteis available now on mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One, and in development for Xbox Series X and PS5.
