Epic Games Store and Fortnite are set to make a comeback on iOS devices in Australia after a court ruling

Epic Games Store and Fortnite are set to return to iOS devices in Australia after being absent since their removal from the App Store in 2020.

On August 12, 2025, Epic Games shared via an announcement that an Australian court concluded that Apple and Google misuse their positions in managing app distribution and in-app transactions to suppress competition.

Epic Games noted, "There are over 2,000 pages of findings we need to examine to grasp the details completely. This is a significant victory for developers and consumers in Australia."

According to the Financial Review, a Federal Court judge highlighted that the dominant position of Apple and Google in app stores has diminished market competition, likely causing developers to incur higher commission costs.

The court found Apple had significantly reduced competition by prohibiting the distribution of native apps outside the App Store within its ecosystem.

Judge Beach remarked, "Apple’s centralized in-app system for security doesn't prevent a substantial anticompetitive intention."

However, the claims accusing the companies of "unconscionable conduct" or violating consumer law were dismissed by the judge.

In response to the ruling, an Apple spokesperson told Financial Review, "Apple faces intense competition worldwide. We continuously innovate and enhance the App Store to ensure it is safe for users and beneficial for developers globally."

The spokesperson also welcomed the dismissal of Epic’s calls for internal app store distribution via the Google Play store but expressed disagreement with the court’s view on Apple's billing practices.

The legal confrontation between Epic Games and Apple began in August 2020 when Fortnite was removed from Apple's store. This came after Epic Games enabled a feature that let players purchase V-Bucks directly through them at a discounted price, bypassing Apple's 30% commission.

Apple accused Epic of breaching App Store rules, prompting Epic to initiate an antitrust lawsuit.

The courtroom battle has persisted, with various rulings and emerging competition laws permitting Fortnite's app return in regions like Japan, Europe, the U.S., and now Australia.