Following a recent legal ruling, Fortnite is set to make a comeback on iOS devices in <a href="https://comicvibe.com/fortnite-returns-to-the-app-store-in-australia-after-court-orders-apple-to-open-up-ios/” title=”Fortnite returns to the App Store in Australia after court orders Apple to open up iOS”>Australia. The Federal Court of Australia determined that Apple had breached competition laws by limiting the presence of third-party app stores.
A comprehensive court document spanning 235 pages explained that Apple monopolized app distribution and payment systems on iOS, significantly hindering competition. Justice Jonathan Beach remarked on the company’s influential position in these sectors.
Reacting to the verdict, an Apple representative informed Reuters of their intention to challenge the ruling, emphasizing the need to protect their intellectual property rights and ensure the App Store remains a safe environment for consumers and developers alike.
Although Fortnite will soon be accessible on iOS in the region, the Epic Games Store will launch later. Starting from March 2027, new regulations will affect how Australia’s App Store operates, including:
- Direct app downloads from developers
- Alternative payment options will be allowed, and Apple can’t mandate the use of its in-app purchase system or charge extra fees
- Developers won’t be prohibited from directing customers to other stores for app purchases
- No additional charges will be imposed by Apple for purchases through external app stores
Epic Games’ CEO Tim Sweeney hailed this as a significant triumph for both consumers and developers.
Fortnite’s re-entry into Australia comes after a global restoration on iOS, which initially excluded Australia due to unresolved legal aspects related to an “illegal payment arrangement with Apple,” as noted by Epic.
The legal tug-of-war between Epic and Apple dates back to 2020, following Apple’s decision to exclude Fortnite from its App Store over fee circumventing allegations.
Apple’s platform eventually permitted alternative app stores for European users in September 2024, with a similar reopening in the US, driven by a court decision preventing Apple from collecting fees for purchases made outside of the App Store.
