Summary
Australia’s Federal Court ordered Apple to permit Fortnite’s return to its Australian App Store if Epic applies and meets specified requirements. It also ordered broader access to alternative iOS app stores and payment methods, with most changes scheduled for 1 March 2027.
Australia’s Federal Court has ordered Apple to permit Fortnite and other Epic Games apps to return to the Australian App Store if Epic makes a written application and meets the order’s requirements. The 22 October 2026 ruling also requires changes that would let users obtain iOS apps through alternative distribution channels and use payment methods other than Apple’s in-app purchase system. Most of those broader changes are scheduled to take effect in 2027.
The judgment sets out remedies following an earlier finding that Apple contravened section 46 of Australia’s Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The court found that Apple’s restrictions on alternative iOS app distribution had the purpose and effect, or likely effect, of substantially lessening competition in app distribution, and that its restrictions on payment methods had the effect, or likely effect, of substantially lessening competition in in-app payment solutions.
How Fortnite could return
Under the order, Apple must take the steps necessary to admit or readmit Fortnite and other iOS apps developed by Epic to the Australian App Store after Epic applies in writing. Epic must comply with the developer agreement and App Store Review Guidelines to the extent they are consistent with the court’s orders. Apple must process compliant applications and app updates under its usual business practices.
This creates a route to reinstatement rather than an automatic return: Epic must apply and submit compliant material. The order concerns the Australian storefront, and the court said it would not be delayed along with the later technical and commercial requirements.
Alternative app stores and payments
The court ordered Apple to enable iOS users to discover, download, install and update apps through channels beyond the App Store, including direct downloads and alternative app stores. Those apps must undergo an automated scan for genuine security or privacy reasons and be notarised by Apple or a suitably qualified third party. Apple must also provide developers and users access to the tools and APIs needed for these distribution routes on substantially the same terms as those available for App Store distribution.
The orders also prevent Apple from hindering alternative distribution through restrictions, fees or conditions that deter it. They address practices such as blocking apps from running because they came from outside the App Store, or disadvantaging a developer because its app is also available through another channel.
For in-app payments, developers must be allowed to use payment methods other than Apple’s in-app purchase system, known as IAP, and to direct users to those methods from within an app. Apple may impose security requirements for an alternative payment method only when they are necessary and proportionate to an additional security risk, and after giving affected developers reasonable prior written notice explaining the risk and proposed requirements.
The orders apply to the Australian App Store and users whose Apple Account is set to Australia. Developers can be based anywhere, provided they remain members of Apple’s Developer Program. The court’s declaration of Apple’s contravention was not geographically limited, while the practical distribution and payment injunctions were drawn around the Australian storefront and users.
When the wider changes begin
Orders covering alternative distribution and payment methods are due to take effect at noon Melbourne time on 1 March 2027. Apple may apply between 1 and 15 February 2027 for a single extension to 3 May 2027; that later date would apply only if the court grants the application. The delayed start gives time for the technical and commercial changes required by the orders, while the Fortnite reinstatement provision is not subject to that delay.