Fortnite returns to Apple's Australian App Store after court ruling against Apple
Apple must comply with the court's orders by March 1, 2027, or show by February 15, 2027 that it needs more time, and Apple says it will seek a stay and appeal.
Epic's Fortnite has returned to Apple's App Store in Australia after a federal court ruled against Apple's restrictions on iOS. The judgement requires Apple to permit third-party app stores without conditions, let developers offer alternative payment options and point users to outside purchases, and avoid adding friction for those choices. Apple must comply by March 1, 2027, or file proof by February 15, 2027 that it needs more time, and it must cover 85 percent of Epic's legal costs. Apple disagrees with many parts of the ruling and says it will seek a stay and appeal.
Why it matters
The ruling means iOS users in Australia can be offered third-party app stores and alternative payment options, with Apple required to avoid adding friction to those choices. Apple must also cover 85 percent of Epic's legal costs. Because Apple disputes many parts of the judgement and plans to appeal, the practical reach of the changes remains open for now, and the outcome will show how far a federal court can go in opening the iOS App Store to competing stores and payment routes.
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Sources
- Engadget