Fortnite is back on Apple's Australian App Store after a federal court ordered the company to open its iOS ecosystem to competition. The ruling forces Apple to allow alternative app stores without conditions and let developers offer alternative payment options, following the EU's regulatory blueprint.
The judgement requires Apple to permit third-party app stores, enable direct app downloads from developers, and stop blocking external purchase links. Users must face no "friction" when using alternative payment systems. Apple was also ordered to pay 85 percent of Epic Games' legal costs and implement changes by March 1, 2027, or request an extension by February 15, 2027.
Epic Games announced the return on X, calling it a victory for developers and iOS users in Australia. The decision aims to prevent "malicious compliance" such as Core Technology fees for third-party stores.
Apple disagrees with the ruling and plans to appeal, seeking a stay to protect its intellectual property and the security of the App Store experience.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing