The Federal Court of Australia has ordered Apple to completely open its iOS ecosystem to third-party competitors after Justice Jonathan Beach ruled that the tech giant engaged in anti-competitive conduct. According to the judgment, Apple systematically misused its market power to maintain a strict monopoly over app distribution and in-app payment systems within the country.
Alongside the mandate permitting rival app marketplaces, the court ordered Apple to restore Fortnite and other Epic Games software to the Australian App Store. Epic Games had its developer accounts terminated over six years ago after bypassing Apple's in-app payment architecture. Both court orders are scheduled to take effect at noon Australian Eastern time on March 1, 2027.
Justice Beach explicitly criticized Apple for deploying complex deterrence tactics, noting that the corporation previously devised a comprehensive strategy of foreclosure regarding iOS app distribution. The ruling outlines specific prohibitions against imposing alternative marketplace fees, mandatory bundled contracts, and restrictive disclosure sheets designed to deter competition.
An Apple spokesperson stated that the company firmly believes it does not hold a monopoly position in Australia or globally, confirming plans to request a stay and appeal the decision. Meanwhile, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the legal outcome on social media as a major win for software developers and consumers alike, while international regulatory battles regarding alternative app stores continue to unfold.
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