15 million users win! Apple forced to change App Store rules: support third-party sideloading.
According to a report by Fast Technology on October 24, the Federal Court of Australia issued a relief ruling on October 22, ordering Judge Jonathan Beach to allow Apple to open the iPhone to other App Stores and allow users to download apps directly from developer websites and use alternative payment methods.
The rectification for Australian Apple account users must be completed by noon on March 1, 2027, Melbourne time. Apple can apply for an extension from February 1 to 15 to May 3 with evidence.
This is the latest development in the six-year antitrust lawsuit between Apple and Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite. In August 2025, the court preliminarily found Apple guilty of violating Section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act of 2010 and abusing its dominant market position in its App Store operations.
The ruling requires Apple to allow global developers to distribute, install, and update their apps to Australian users through channels other than the App Store, such as third-party app stores and developer websites, and to provide necessary tools and APIs under conditions largely the same as those in the official App Store, and prohibits Apple from charging obstructive fees for alternative channels.
At the payment level, Apple will stop forcing developers to use its in-app purchase system, allowing access to third-party payment methods and providing jump buttons or links within apps. Alternative channels will not be subject to commission on digital transactions.
The rates for using alternative payments within the official store are also capped. Apple is prohibited from forcing developers to provide its own payment system, auditing alternative transactions, or charging developers who choose alternative payments a commission of nearly 30%.
In announcing his ruling, Judge Beach stated that Apple violated the Competition and Consumer Act through “an intricate web of terms and technical measures,” and ordered Apple to bear 85% of Epic Games’ legal costs in the months-long trial.
This ruling means that Fortnite, one of the world’s most popular games, has returned to the Apple Australia App Store, ending a six-year absence.
Apple has stated that it disagrees with several of the court’s findings and will appeal. An Apple spokesperson said: “We will apply for a stay of execution and file an appeal in order to find a solution that respects our intellectual property rights while protecting the safe and reliable experience that consumers and developers expect from the App Store.”
Kazam is Focused on creating and reporting timely content in technology with a special focus on mobile phone technology. Kazam reports, analyzes, and reviews recent trends, news and rumors in mobile phone technology and provides the best possible insights to enhance your experience and knowledge.
