Australian court orders Apple to open the iPhone to rival app stores by March 2027

An Australian federal judge has ordered Apple to open the iPhone to rival app stores and payment systems, the latest step in Epic Games' long-running antitrust case against the company.

What the court ordered

Justice Jonathan Beach of the Federal Court of Australia ordered Apple to let users with Australian Apple Accounts download apps from third-party marketplaces and directly from websites starting March 1, 2027, according to 9to5Mac's reading of the 235-page decision. Apple can ask by Feb. 15 for an extension to May 3, 2027, subject to court approval.

Developers will be able to use their own payment systems, including inside App Store apps, and link users to outside payment options. Apple must give alternative distributors access to the needed APIs and tools on substantially the same terms as App Store developers, and cannot charge fees for using alternative distribution channels.

Fortnite is coming back first

The order to readmit Fortnite and other eligible Epic apps to the Australian App Store takes effect immediately once Epic applies in writing. Epic said Fortnite would return to the App Store in Australia the next day. Fortnite returned to iOS in other countries in May but stayed off in Australia during the case, Engadget reported.

Why the court ruled against Apple

The order follows a ruling last year that Apple violated Australian competition law. Beach found Apple held "a substantial degree of power" in iOS app distribution and in-app payments and used its developer rules to restrict competition. Apple was ordered to pay 85% of Epic's legal costs from the original trial.

Apple won some points. The court rejected Epic's request to apply the orders worldwide, let Apple keep security scanning and notarization for apps installed outside the App Store, and did not require Apple to carry rival stores in its own App Store.

Apple plans to appeal

"We will request a stay and appeal the outcome," Apple said in a statement to Reuters, adding that it wants a resolution that protects "the safe, secure experience that consumers and developers expect from the App Store."