Australian Court Orders Apple to Allow Alternative iOS App Distribution and Payments
The Federal Court of Australia ordered Apple to allow alternative iOS app distribution and payments outside IAP for accounts and the App Store in Australia. The order also preserves room for reasonable security checks.
Alternative app distribution on Apple’s platform is to be available to users with an Australian Apple Account. On October 22, 2026, the Federal Court of Australia issued binding remedial orders in Epic Games Inc v Apple Inc (No 2) concerning app distribution and payments for digital content in iOS apps.
The decision follows the court’s earlier finding that Apple had abused its market power since November 6, 2017. The practices considered included blocking alternative iOS app distribution and alternative payment options.
The measures are not global. They apply to users with an Australian Apple Account and to the Australian version of the App Store.
Alternative app distribution includes websites and stores
Under the orders, Apple must not prevent direct distribution of apps from developers’ websites or the operation of alternative app stores. It also must not unreasonably make these options more difficult, for example when finding, installing, using or updating apps.
However, the decision does not mean Apple must allow completely unverified app downloads without its involvement. The court expressly left the company room for reasonable security measures. These include review processes, app notarization and malware scanning.
This distinction is also important when describing the decision as an order requiring “sideloading.” The court distinguishes between direct downloads or alternative stores on one hand and unverified installation without security checks on the other.
Developers are also to receive other payment options
The orders also apply to purchases of digital content in iOS apps. Apple must allow payment solutions other than its In-App Purchase (IAP) system and must not prevent developers from directing users to such payments.
The decision does not yet specify the exact user interface, terms or fees that Apple will introduce when implementing the new options.
Fortnite could return to the Australian App Store
The court also ordered Apple, upon written request from Epic Games, to readmit Fortnite and Epic’s other apps to the App Store. The condition is that the apps comply with rules compatible with the court orders.
Therefore, no automatic Fortnite return date has been set. Epic must request readmission, and the specific apps must comply with the applicable rules.
Apple’s application could affect the effective date
The court anticipated that the orders would begin applying on March 3, 2027. However, Apple may apply by February 15, 2027, for a stay, for no later than May 3, 2027, if it provides evidentiary support for such an application.
It has not yet been confirmed when Apple will practically deploy the new features in Australia or whether it will take further legal action. The key issue will be what rules, security procedures and possible fees the company publishes for alternative distribution and payments.
Sources
- Federal Court of Australia — Epic Games Inc v Apple Inc (No 2) [2026] FCA 1552 – Primary decision and orders from October 22, 2026; confirms the scope for Australian Apple Accounts, alternative distribution, alternative payments, security exceptions and the possible effective date.
- AP News — Fortnite creator Epic Games claims win in Australia anti-competitive conduct case – Context on Epic’s earlier partial victory in the Australian case against Apple and Google.
Verified and updated: October 22, 2026 06:22
