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Apple to appeal Australian court order to open iOS platform
Apple has announced plans to appeal a ruling by the Australian Federal Court that mandates the company open its iOS platform to rival app stores and alternative payment systems. The court's decision follows an August 2025 finding that Apple misused its market power by restricting app distribution and payment options in violation of competition law.
Starting March 1, 2027, Apple must allow Australian users to find, download, and update apps through competing marketplaces and developer websites. The ruling requires Apple to provide developers with the necessary tools for alternative distribution on substantially the same terms as its own App Store. Additionally, developers will be permitted to offer alternative payment methods and link to external payment options without being penalized or required to report those transactions to Apple.
The court also ordered Apple to readmit the game Fortnite to its Australian App Store. While the ruling imposes new restrictions on Apple's ability to collect fees on alternative transactions, the company's legal challenge is expected to delay the implementation of these orders as the appeal process unfolds.
Entities
Apple · Australia · Australian Federal Court · Epic Games · Fortnite
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Australian Federal Court found that Apple misused its market power in violation of competition law. cryptobriefing.com · www.macrumors.com · www.digitaltrends.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The ruling applies to users whose Apple Account region is set to Australia. www.macrumors.com · www.digitaltrends.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Apple is prohibited from charging for purchases made through alternative payment services or websites in apps distributed outside the App Store. www.macrumors.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Apple plans to seek a stay and appeal the Australian Federal Court ruling. cryptobriefing.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Apps downloaded outside the App Store must undergo an automated security or privacy scan and be notarized. www.macrumors.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The court ordered Apple to readmit Fortnite to the Australian App Store. cryptobriefing.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Apple must allow competing app stores and alternative payment services starting March 1, 2027. www.macrumors.com · www.digitaltrends.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Developers must be provided with tools for alternative distribution on substantially the same terms as App Store distribution. www.macrumors.com · www.digitaltrends.com