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Following the EU, Japan, and Brazil, Apple must also open the iPhone to third-party app stores in Australia. This time, it's by court order. And the requirements go further than Apple's own rules in Japan and Brazil in several respects.
The Australian Federal Court has ruled in Epic Games' case against Apple on the consequences of Apple's antitrust violation. In a 235-page decision (2026 FCA 1552), Judge Jonathan Beach ordered Apple to allow alternative app marketplaces, app downloads from websites, and third-party payment methods on iPhones. This applies to Apple accounts configured for Australia.
The ruling is based on a 2025 judgment. At that time, the court found that Apple's App Store rules violated Section 46 of the Australian Competition and Consumer Act, thus abusing its market power. Now it has decided what specific changes Apple must make.
Key Facts at a Glance
- From March 1, 2027, Apple must allow alternative app stores, downloads from websites and third-party payment methods in Australia.
- Apple can request a postponement until May 3, 2027, until February 15th; the court must agree.
- Apple may not charge fees for alternative distribution channels; notarization and security checks remain permitted.
- Fortnite is returning to the Australian App Store immediately.
- Apple will request a stay of execution and appeal.
What Apple must allow from March 2027
The regulations take effect on March 1, 2027. Apple can request a postponement until May 3, 2027, until February 15; the court must approve this request. From that date, Australian users must be able to install apps from third-party app stores and directly from developers' websites.
Developers will then be allowed to integrate third-party payment systems, including in apps from the App Store, and link from within the app to cheaper offers outside of it. Apple must provide the necessary developer tools essentially under the same conditions as for its own store. Apple may not charge fees for distribution outside the App Store, and only limited fees for external payments.
Two practices that Apple employs in Japan and Brazil are explicitly prohibited. Apple may not require the reporting of transactions via third-party payment providers. And Apple may not mandate that its own payment system be offered in parallel.
Where Apple has prevailed
Epic wanted the orders to apply worldwide. The court rejected this. Apple may continue to subject apps distributed outside the App Store to security reviews and notarization. Apple must allow competing marketplaces on the iPhone, but not offer them in its own App Store.
Apple is significantly behind in terms of costs. Apple must bear 85 percent of the legal costs incurred by Epic up to the main trial. The court has not yet ruled on the costs of the subsequent proceedings.
Fortnite is coming back immediately
The order doesn't just take effect in March. Upon written request from Epic, Apple must reinstate Fortnite and other Epic apps in the Australian App Store. Epic has already announced its intention to return.
Apple told Reuters it would request a stay of proceedings and file an appeal. The two companies continue their dispute in the US, where the issue of commissions on external purchases is now before the Supreme Court.
Australia compared to the EU, Japan and Brazil
Apple's support document for alternative app providers currently lists three regions: the EU, Japan, and Brazil. Of these, apps can only be downloaded directly from a developer's website in the EU. Australia is now being added as a fourth market, also offering downloads from websites.
| Region | Alternative app marketplaces | Apps from websites |
|---|---|---|
| EU | Yes | Yes |
| Japan | Yes | no |
| Brazil | Yes | no |
| Australia | from 1 March 2027 | from 1 March 2027 |
| Switzerland | no | no |
The ruling changes nothing for Germany and Austria. EU rules have applied there since iOS 17.4, as described in the guide to alternative app distribution channels. According to Apple, the requirements are an Apple account with an EU country as the region and residence in the EU. Apple states that users who travel can continue to update installed apps from third-party sources for up to 90 days.
Switzerland is left out
Switzerland is missing from Apple's list. An Apple account with Switzerland as its region receives neither alternative marketplaces nor apps from websites because EU regulations don't apply there. With Australia, the iPhone will soon open in another market outside the EU, and Switzerland remains excluded.
It's remarkable how directly the court rejects Apple's solutions from other markets. Reporting requirements for third-party payments and a parallel Apple payment system are Apple's own terms in Japan and Brazil, but both are prohibited in Australia, along with the ban on fees for distribution outside the App Store. I expect Apple to primarily challenge these points on appeal because they contradict the model Apple has chosen elsewhere.
If you haven't used an alternative app store yet, even though you could: What's holding you back – a lack of apps, security concerns, or simply habit? Let us know in the comments which app would make you switch.
