Epic Games’ legal battle against Apple just notched another victory, this time in Australia. This whole thing was kicked off by Epic wanting to use an alternative payment system for Fortnite on Apple devices. In late 2021, a US judge ruled that Apple should allow alternative in-app payment methods. There was a similar case happening in Australia too.
The first win for Epic came last year when an Australian court concluded that both Apple and Google violated local competition laws. Oh, yeah, Google is involved in this too – both Apple and Google removed Fortnite from their respective app stores over using V-Bucks (an in-game currency). Anyway, Fortnite returned to the app stores in multiple regions (though not in Australia) and now the Federal Court of Australia has handed Epic – and every iPhone user – an even bigger victory.
Apple must allow users to install apps from third-party stores and websites starting on March 1, 2027. There is an option for an extension to May 3, but the court must approve it first. This court order is based on the result of last year’s ruling.
In more detail, Apple must allow third-party app stores and app sideloading. It must allow alternative payment options too, including external payment links. It must restrict its fees on alternative distribution and payment methods. And it must remove other barriers, including opening up the APIs that are necessary for third-party app stores to operate.
Note that this applies to users with Australian accounts. Apple said that it plans to appeal the decision in a statement to Reuters.
Third-party app stores are already allowed in the EU, as well as Brazil and Japan. Epic Games still isn’t happy with how this was implemented in the EU, so the story isn’t over.
Alternative app stores are not allowed in the US (yet), but developers are now allowed to show users external payment links and to offer alternative payment options.
PS. Fortnite will soon return to the Australian Apple App Store.