Fortnite returns to Australian App Store after court orders Apple to open iOS

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 02:28 · Archive

A federal court ordered Apple to allow Fortnite back onto Australia's App Store and to open iOS to rival app stores.

An Australian federal court has ordered Apple to restore Fortnite to the App Store and open iOS to third-party app stores and alternative payment methods. Justice Jonathan Beach ruled that Apple had misused its market power to maintain a monopoly over app distribution and in-app payments. The order comes six years after Apple removed Fortnite for bypassing its payment system.

According to the court's 1,104-paragraph ruling, Apple must permit rival app stores and allow developers to show alternative payment options without imposing excessive fees or conditions. The court also found that Apple had "devised and pursued a deliberate and comprehensive strategy of foreclosure" regarding iOS app distribution, and that the company had systematically implemented practices to circumvent the practical effects of regulatory constraints.

Fortnite will return to Australia's App Store today, Epic Games confirmed to Reuters. Australia was the only country excluded when Fortnite returned worldwide to the App Store in May 2026. Epic had held off while seeking further court orders addressing Apple's payment terms.

Apple disagreed with the court's findings. An Apple spokesperson told TechRadar that the company "does not have a monopoly position in Australia or in any market around the world" and that the ruling's market definition "has been rejected by other courts". Apple said it would request a stay and appeal the outcome by the 15 February deadline.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called the ruling "a huge victory for consumers and developers" on X. The Australian decision follows the European Union's approach to forcing Apple to open its ecosystem to competition.

How it is being reported

• Apple just got slapped for 'non-competitive conduct' by Australia’s top court — and ordered to allow rival iPhone app stores Down UnderFortnite developer Epic Games has scored a victory against Apple in a legal ruling, not only to restore the popular game to the App Store in Australia but to also open up the latter’s software to rival app marketplaces.TechRadar · 23 Oct, 02:16
• Fortnite is back on Apple's Australian App Store following court rulingFortnite is back on the App Store in Australia after a federal court ordered Apple to open its iOS ecosystem up to competition.Engadget · 22 Oct, 09:18
• Fortnite Returning to Australian App Store After Court RulingFortnite will return to Australia's App Store today, Epic Games told Reuters , after a federal court ordered Apple to allow eligible Epic apps back onto the store. Australia was the only country excluded when Fortnite returned to the App Store worldwide in May. Epic held off while seeking further court orders addressing Apple's payment terms. The requirement to process Epic's compliant submissions takes effect without waiting for the broader App Store changes due in March 2027. Tags: App Store , Australia , Epic Games , Epic Games vs. Apple This article, " Fortnite Returning to Australian…MacRumors · 22 Oct, 06:55

In this story: Apple · Epic Games · Fortnite · Australia · Justice Jonathan Beach

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