Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
Fortnite returns to Australia's App Store as Apple is ordered to open iOS
Fortnite has returned to Apple's App Store in Australia after a federal court ruling in a legal fight between Apple and Epic Games.
The court found that Apple restricted competition by limiting how developers could distribute apps and accept payments on iPhones.
The dispute began in 2020, when Apple removed Fortnite after Epic tried to bypass Apple's platform fees.
From March 1, 2027, Apple must allow rival app stores and app downloads from developer websites for users with Australian Apple Accounts.
Developers will also be able to offer other payment options and link customers to outside checkout pages, with limits on Apple's fees and conditions.
The changes are intended to give developers more choice and reduce Apple's control over app distribution and payments, though any savings for customers will depend on businesses.
Apple says it will appeal and seek to pause the order, while Epic's store is expected to follow Fortnite's return at a later date.
Australia’s Federal Court has ordered Apple to open iPhone app distribution and payments to greater competition.
From March 1, 2027, users with Australian Apple Accounts will be able to install apps from third-party stores and developer websites.
Developers will be allowed to offer alternative payment methods and link customers to external payment options.
The court also ordered Apple to allow Fortnite and other eligible Epic Games apps back onto the Australian App Store.
Apple says it will appeal and seek a pause in enforcement.
- Who
- Apple and Epic Games are the main parties. The Federal Court of Australia issued the ruling.
- What
- The court ordered Apple to allow rival app stores, app downloads from developer websites and alternative payment methods.
- When
- The decision was reported on October 22, 2026. Most changes are due to take effect on March 1, 2027.
- Where
- Australia, on Apple’s iOS platform.
- Why
- The court found Apple had restricted competition in app distribution and payments.
Apple
Federal Court of Australia
Competition and app distribution
Apple
Apple plans to appeal the ruling.
Federal Court of Australia
The court found Apple had restricted competition in app distribution and payments.
Alternative app stores and payments
Apple
Apple says it seeks a resolution that respects its intellectual property and protects the App Store’s safety and security.
Federal Court of Australia
The court ordered Apple to permit rival app stores and alternative payment options.
Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store during its dispute with Epic Games.
A court finding, as described by Digital Trends, said Apple had misused its market power by restricting competition in app distribution and payments.
The Federal Court of Australia ordered Apple to open iOS to rival app stores and alternative payment methods.
The court-ordered changes are due to take effect.
- Court
- Federal Court of Australia
- Decision
- 235-page ruling, according to GamesIndustry.biz and 9to5Mac
- Implementation date
- March 1, 2027
- Extension request deadline
- February 15, 2027
- Legal costs
- Apple was ordered to pay 85 percent of Epic’s legal costs, according to Engadget
4 sources
Fortnite is back on Apple's Australian App Store following court ruling
Fortnite returns to iOS in Australia after court rules Apple violated competition law
Australia is forcing Apple to loosen its grip on iPhone app distribution
Apple must open iPhone to alternative app stores in Australia after Epic Games ruling
What people are saying
substantial degree of power in the iOS app distribution services market and iOS in-app payment solutions market
huge victory for consumers and developers
We will request a stay and appeal the outcome to seek a resolution that respects our intellectual property and protects the safe, secure experience that consumers and developers expect from the App Store
Posts on X
Big news: Fortnite is coming back to the App Store in Australia tomorrow! Today the Australia Federal Court told Apple to open up iOS after finding they violated competition law. Here’s what’s changing in Australia in March 2027: • iOS will be open to third party app stores •
The Australian Epic v Apple antitrust remedies were just issued, and are a huge victory for consumers and developers. We are studying the verdict and will share more soon. The Court has freed Fortnite in Australia and it will return alongside the Epic Games Store…soon.