An Australian court ruled Apple misused its market power, ordering the tech giant to open its iOS ecosystem to third-party stores and reinstate Epic Games' titles.
Key points
- The Federal Court of Australia ordered Apple to allow rival app marketplaces on iOS devices within the country.
- Apple must restore Fortnite and other Epic Games applications to the Australian App Store.
- The company plans to appeal the decision, arguing it does not hold a monopoly position.
An Australian federal judge has ordered Apple to open its iOS ecosystem to third-party app stores and restore Fortnite to the App Store. The ruling, which takes effect in March 2027, follows a legal victory for Epic Games against Apple’s distribution practices.
What happened
Justice Jonathan Beach of the Federal Court of Australia ruled that Apple misused its market power to maintain a monopoly over app distribution and in-app payments in the country. According to TechRadar, the court ordered Apple to allow rival app marketplaces on iOS devices in Australia. The ruling also mandates the restoration of Fortnite and other Epic Games apps to the Australian App Store. These orders are scheduled to take effect at noon Australian Eastern time on March 1, 2027.
View the original post on X
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Apple denies having a monopoly in Australia or globally. A spokesperson told TechRadar that the company disagrees with the court's findings, including the market definition. Apple stated it will request a stay and appeal the outcome to protect consumer safety and intellectual property. The company has until February 15 to file its appeal.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the ruling on X. The dispute began in August 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite for bypassing the company’s 30 percent commission on in-app purchases. The US Supreme Court previously ruled that Apple engaged in anti-competitive conduct and pricing.
Why it matters
Courts are increasingly examining how tech giants control digital marketplaces. This case highlights the tension between platform security and market competition. When a single company controls all app distribution, it can set high fees and restrict developer choices. Regulators argue that allowing alternative stores fosters innovation and lowers costs for users. However, companies like Apple argue that a closed ecosystem is necessary to prevent malware and ensure a consistent user experience. Understanding this balance helps readers see why such legal battles are complex and far-reaching.
The fix
- Monitor official announcements from Apple regarding the appeal process.
- Check local regulations to see if similar rulings affect your region.
- Review your app sources to understand where your software comes from.
- Stay informed about changes to in-app payment policies that may affect pricing.
Why it matters
When courts force platforms to open their ecosystems, users should watch for changes in how apps are installed and updated. Teams usually advise checking whether new app sources require additional permissions. Users should verify that alternative stores follow basic security standards before downloading software. It is important to understand that opening a platform does not automatically guarantee safety. Consumers must remain vigilant about the origin of their applications. This shift may also change how developers price their products and services.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Check if you are in a region affected by this ruling before expecting changes.
- Wait for official updates from Apple regarding the appeal and implementation timeline.
- Monitor your device settings for any new options related to app installations.
- Keep your operating system updated to ensure you receive the latest security patches.
Step-by-step guide: What is password policies and how they protect systems
General security guidance from the Crypt Weekly newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
When do the orders to open iOS and restore Fortnite take effect?
The orders are set to take effect at noon Australian Eastern time on March 1, 2027.
Why did Apple remove Fortnite from the App Store originally?
Apple removed Fortnite in August 2020 for bypassing its 30 percent commission on in-app purchases.
What is Apple's response to the court's ruling?
Apple denies having a monopoly and plans to appeal the decision to protect consumer safety.
