- Apple must allow alternative app marketplaces and direct app downloads in Australia from March 2027.
- The Federal Court order also restricts payment rules, fees and barriers affecting competing app distribution.
- The order applies only in Australia; Apple plans to seek a stay and appeal.
Apple third-party app stores Australia are at the centre of a major competition ruling that will change how apps are distributed and paid for on iOS. The Apple third-party app stores order follows the Federal Court of Australia’s decision on 22 October 2026 after the long-running dispute between Apple and Epic Games over app distribution and payment rules.
The Apple third-party app stores changes are due to take effect on 1 March 2027 and cover users with an Australian Apple Account. They will allow alternative app marketplaces and direct downloads, while limiting certain payment conditions and fees. The ruling does not change the App Store rules in India or other countries at this stage.
Apple Third-Party App Stores: What the Australian Court Ordered
Justice Beach delivered the decision following Epic Games’ competition case against Apple. The orders aim to give developers more ways to distribute apps and accept payments on iOS, while retaining legitimate security checks and app review requirements.
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| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Alternative app marketplaces | Apple must allow third-party app marketplaces on iOS in Australia. |
| Direct app downloads | Developers can distribute apps directly, outside Apple’s App Store. |
| Alternative payments | Developers can use other payment systems without also having to offer Apple’s in-app purchase system. |
| External purchase links | Apps can direct users outside the app to complete purchases. |
| Fees and conditions | Apple is restricted from imposing fees and conditions that undermine competition. Epic says the order bars fees on purchases made in third-party stores. |
| Technical restrictions | Apple cannot use tools, SDKs or APIs to block alternative app distribution or use technical or contractual measures to work around the remedies. |
| Retaliation and barriers | Apple cannot retaliate against developers using alternatives or create disproportionate barriers to installing and updating apps through other channels. |
| Security requirements | Legitimate security checks and app review can remain. Developers must receive reasonable advance written notice of security requirements for alternative payments, except where urgent risks require action. |
Apple Third-Party App Stores: When the New Rules Take Effect
The Apple third-party app stores orders take effect on 1 March 2027. Apple may apply between 1 and 15 February 2027 for an additional two months to implement the changes, but it must support the request with evidence. The extra time is not automatic.
The Apple third-party app stores ruling is limited to the Australian App Store and people using an Australian Apple Account. It does not introduce third-party app stores for iPhone users in India, the United States or other markets. Rules in those regions remain unchanged by this decision.
Apple Plans to Seek a Stay and Appeal
Apple disagrees with several of the court’s findings on Apple third-party app stores and says it will request a stay and appeal the decision. Updates and company statements are available through Apple’s newsroom. The court rejected Apple’s proposal to make the injunctions expire automatically after five years. However, Apple can apply to have the orders varied or discharged if circumstances change.
On costs, Apple must pay 85% of Epic’s costs for the original liability trial. The court has not yet decided who will pay the costs associated with the remedies hearing.
Fortnite Returns to Australia’s App Store
Epic Games said Fortnite would return to the Australian App Store the day after the ruling. The court also requires Apple to readmit Fortnite and other Epic apps when Epic makes a written request, subject to the developer agreement and review guidelines being consistent with the orders.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney described the outcome as a huge victory for consumers and developers. The decision could give developers more choice over distribution and payments in Australia, although the practical impact of Apple third-party app stores will depend on how the new options are implemented.
What the Ruling Means for iPhone Users
Australian users are expected to gain more ways to install apps and complete purchases once the Apple third-party app stores orders take effect. Alternative stores and direct downloads may offer developers more control over distribution, while the court’s conditions preserve legitimate security checks and app review.
For now, iPhone users in India will not see a change because of this Australian Apple third-party app stores ruling. Any broader change would require separate legal or policy developments in other markets.
Conclusion
Apple must open up app distribution and payment options in Australia from 1 March 2027 under the Federal Court’s orders for Apple third-party app stores. Apple plans to seek a stay and appeal, while Fortnite is set to return to the Australian App Store. The ruling applies only to Australian App Store users and does not change the current rules in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Apple allow third-party app stores in Australia?
The court orders are due to take effect on 1 March 2027, unless the implementation timetable is changed by a further court decision.
Will the Australian ruling allow third-party app stores in India?
No. The orders apply to the Australian App Store and users with an Australian Apple Account. They do not change the rules in India or other countries at this stage.
Can developers use alternative payment systems on iOS in Australia?
Yes. The orders allow alternative payment systems without requiring developers to also offer Apple’s in-app purchase system, and allow links outside apps to complete purchases.
Is Fortnite returning to the Australian App Store?
Epic Games said Fortnite would return the day after the ruling. Apple must also readmit Fortnite and other Epic apps on written request, subject to conditions consistent with the court’s orders.
Will Apple appeal the Australian App Store ruling?
Apple says it disagrees with several findings and will request a stay and appeal the decision.
