Story perspectives

Court Orders Apple to Open iOS App Stores in Australia

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 6:04 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Apple must open iOS to third-party app stores and alternative payment methods in Australia after a federal court order.
Apple must readmit Fortnite to the Australian App Store immediately after the ruling.
Apple must comply by 1 March 2027, with a possible extension to 3 May 2027 if filed 1-15 February.
The court ordered Apple to pay 85% of Epic’s legal costs incurred up to the liability hearing.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the United States v. Microsoft antitrust suit led a district court to impose a $1 billion penalty and require Microsoft to share its Windows APIs with competitors. Decades later, an Australian federal court ordered Apple to permit third-party iOS app stores and restore Epic Games’ Fortnite, applying the same competition-preserving logic.

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Story summary

Apple must open iOS to third-party app stores and alternative payment methods in Australia after a federal court order.
Apple must readmit Fortnite to the Australian App Store immediately after the ruling.
Apple must comply by 1 March 2027, with a possible extension to 3 May 2027 if filed 1-15 February.
The court ordered Apple to pay 85% of Epic’s legal costs incurred up to the liability hearing.

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