Epic Games has secured a major legal win in Australia, with the Federal Court ruling that Apple must allow third-party app stores and sideloading on iPhones starting March 1, 2027. The decision stems from last year’s finding that both Apple and Google violated Australian competition laws by removing Fortnite over alternative payment systems. The court mandates Apple enable external app distribution, alternative payment methods, and open necessary APIs for third-party stores.
Users with Australian accounts are covered, though Apple plans to appeal. This follows similar moves in the EU, Brazil, and Japan, though Epic remains dissatisfied with EU implementation. Fortnite is expected to return to the Australian App Store soon.
Source: GSMArena · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing