● Covered by 2 sources · 3 reportsMedium impact3 neutral
Australian Court Orders Apple to Allow Third-Party App Stores and Payments by 2027
Key points
- Apple must allow third-party app stores and payment methods in Australia.
- The changes are mandated to take effect by March 1, 2027.
- The ruling resulted from an antitrust lawsuit brought by Epic Games.
- Justice Jonathan Beach found Apple held substantial power and restricted competition.
- Apple has stated its intention to appeal the court's decision.
- The U.S. Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments for January 11, 2027.
- The Supreme Court will review if Apple violated an injunction regarding alternative payment rules.
- Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled Apple could not prevent developers from directing users to alternative payment options.
- Apple imposed a commission of up to 27% on transactions completed through external links.
- Judge Rogers ordered Apple to remove restrictions and stop commissions on purchases made outside the App Store in April 2025.
Court Mandates Ecosystem Changes
An Australian federal judge has issued an order requiring Apple to implement significant changes to its App Store policies for users in Australia. Starting March 1, 2027, Apple must allow iPhone users with Australian Apple Accounts to install applications from third-party app stores and websites. The ruling also mandates that Apple permit alternative payment options within apps.
This decision follows a years-long antitrust dispute initiated by Epic Games, which culminated in a finding that Apple had violated Australian competition law. Apple has until February 15 to request an extension for compliance until May 3, 2027, subject to court approval.
Background of the Legal Battle
The order stems from a lawsuit filed by Epic Games, similar to its legal battles with Apple in other regions. Last year, an Australian court ruled that Apple's restrictions on alternative app distribution and payment methods were in violation of Australian competition law.
Justice Jonathan Beach, in his 235-page decision, stated that Apple held "a substantial degree of power in the iOS app distribution services market and the iOS in-app payment solutions market." He concluded that Apple utilized its developer agreements and App Store guidelines to limit competition.
Specific Practices Addressed
The judge specifically highlighted several practices by Apple that restricted competition. These included blocking app downloads and installations from sources outside the App Store and preventing developers from offering alternative payment methods within their applications. The ruling aims to open the iOS ecosystem to more competition for developers and users in Australia.
Fortnite Returns to Australian App Store
Following the court's ruling, Epic Games announced that Fortnite would return to Apple's App Store in Australia. Fortnite had previously returned to iOS globally in May 2026, with the exception of Australia, due to the ongoing legal dispute. Epic Games stated that Apple had continued to enforce terms that Australian courts had deemed unlawful, awaiting a final decision.
Apple's Response and Appeal
Apple has confirmed its disagreement with the court's findings and has stated its intention to appeal the decision. The company will challenge the order, which aligns with similar regulatory pressures Apple has faced in other regions, such as the European Union, regarding opening its mobile ecosystem.
Updates
- The U.S. Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments for January 11, 2027.
- The Supreme Court will review if Apple violated an injunction regarding alternative payment rules.
- Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled Apple could not prevent developers from directing users to alternative payment options.
- Apple imposed a commission of up to 27% on transactions completed through external links.
- Judge Rogers ordered Apple to remove restrictions and stop commissions on purchases made outside the App Store in April 2025.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
The U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for Apple's appeal in its legal dispute with Epic Games for January 11, 2027. The Court will review whether Apple can be held in contempt for violating the 'spirit' of an injunction, specifically regarding its implementation of alternative payment rules in the App Store.
Fortnite is back on Apple's App Store in Australia after a federal court ordered Apple to allow alternative app stores and payment methods. This ruling mandates Apple to open its iOS ecosystem to competition, impacting developers and users in Australia.
An Australian federal judge has ordered Apple to permit alternative app stores and payment methods on iPhones for Australian users starting March 1, 2027. This ruling follows a finding that Apple violated Australian competition law by restricting app distribution and payment options, stemming from a lawsuit filed by Epic Games.