Australian Court Orders Apple to Open iPhone App Distribution From March 2027

Australia’s Federal Court has ordered Apple to allow alternative iOS app stores and direct downloads for users with Australian Apple Accounts. The October 22 judgment also requires changes to in-app payments and the tools developers need to distribute apps outside the App Store.

The main competition remedies are scheduled to begin at noon Melbourne time on March 1, 2027. They do not make alternative stores available immediately.

A March deadline, with a conditional extension

The orders permit Apple to seek a delay until May 3, 2027, but that extension is not automatic. Apple must apply between February 1 and February 15 with supporting evidence, and the court must grant the request.

The decision follows the earlier finding that Apple contravened Australian competition law. GSMArena reports that Apple intends to appeal. An intended appeal should not be treated as proof that the court has already suspended these orders.

Alternative stores will still face security checks

The court requires Apple to let users discover, obtain and update apps through alternative distribution channels, including websites and third-party stores. However, the order expressly provides for an automated scan for genuine security or privacy reasons and notarisation by Apple or a suitably qualified third party.

Apple must provide access to the necessary tools and APIs on substantially the same terms as comparable App Store distribution. It must not introduce disproportionate obstacles that deter competing channels.

Payment choice is part of the remedy

Developers must be able to use payment methods other than Apple’s in-app purchase system and direct users to those alternatives. The orders also constrain fees and conditions linked to alternative distribution or payments. They do not amount to a blanket ban on every possible developer fee in every setting.

For users, that could mean more places to get apps and more ways to pay for digital content. Whether any particular developer lowers prices remains a separate commercial decision.

The ruling is tied to Australian accounts

The operative definitions cover users whose Apple Account country or region is set to Australia. This is not a worldwide order opening iPhones in India, the US, China or Bangladesh. Developers may be based elsewhere, but the user-facing remedies here concern Australian accounts.

Sources

Federal Court of Australia — Epic Games Inc v Apple Inc (No 2), primary judgment and orders: https://www.judgments.fedcourt.gov.au/judgments/Judgments/fca/single/2026/2026fca1552

GSMArena — October 22 reporting: https://m.gsmarena.com/apple_must_allow_thirdparty_app_stores_on_the_iphone_the_federal_court_of_australia_rules-news-75165.php