Apple vows to appeal Australian court ruling forcing iOS to open to rival app stores by 2027

The Federal Court of Australia has ordered Apple to open its iOS ecosystem to third-party app marketplaces and restore Epic Games' Fortnite to the local App Store. This ruling targets Apple's app distribution practices in the region. The decision impacts how software reaches Australian devices and relates to ongoing disputes over in-app payment systems.

What did the court rule?

Justice Jonathan Beach of the Federal Court of Australia ruled that Apple misused its market power to maintain a monopoly over app distribution and in-app payments. The court found that Apple devised a deliberate strategy of foreclosure regarding iOS app distribution. Apple is ordered to allow rival app stores on its devices in Australia.

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What are the immediate operational impacts?

The orders take effect at noon Australian Eastern time on March 1, 2027. Apple must restore Fortnite and other Epic Games apps to the Australian App Store, reversing a ban from 2020. The ban originally occurred because Epic bypassed Apple’s payment systems to avoid commission fees.

How is Apple responding?

An Apple spokesperson told TechRadar that the company does not have a monopoly position in Australia or any global market. Apple stated it respectfully disagrees with the findings, including the market definition. The company plans to request a stay and appeal the outcome to protect consumer safety and intellectual property.

What is the timeline for resolution?

Apple has until February 15 to appeal the decision. The court noted that Apple has systematically implemented practices to circumvent regulatory constraints. While the orders are set for March 2027, the appeal process may delay implementation. This follows a US Supreme Court ruling last year on Apple's anti-competitive conduct.

Questions to ask your suppliers

Security teams should ask vendors whether their mobile applications support distribution through alternative app marketplaces in regulated regions. Determine if your organization allows employees to install software from non-official stores on corporate devices. Check whether your mobile device management policies can enforce security controls on apps from third-party sources. Ensure your risk register accounts for potential changes in app verification processes. Inform legal and procurement teams of these distribution shifts.

What to do and how to stay safe: Apple

• Review mobile device management policies to determine if they block or allow third-party app stores.
• Monitor vendor communications for updates on app distribution methods in your operating regions.
• Verify that your security tools can scan and monitor applications installed from non-official sources.
• Consult legal counsel to understand compliance obligations if your organization operates in affected jurisdictions.

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General security guidance from the TechSec Feed newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

When do the court orders take effect?

The orders are set to take effect at noon Australian Eastern time on March 1, 2027.

Can Apple appeal the decision?

Yes, Apple has until February 15 to appeal the decision and may request a stay.

Why was Fortnite banned originally?

Apple banned Fortnite in August 2020 for bypassing its payment systems to avoid commission fees.