Fortnite is set to return to iOS devices in Australia following a court decision that found Apple had breached competition law

After a recent court ruling, Fortnite is once again accessible on iOS devices in Australia. The Federal Court of Australia determined that Apple's control over iOS app distribution and in-app payment systems was anti-competitive, ordering the tech giant to allow third-party app stores on iOS.

Image credit: Epic Games

As detailed in a comprehensive decision, alternatives to the Apple App Store and its payment systems were previously limited, impacting competition. Justice Jonathan Beach stated that Apple held significant control in these markets.

In response, Apple intends to appeal and seek a solution that they believe balances their proprietary rights with the anticipated secure and reliable experiences from their app ecosystem, according to a spokesperson's comments to news outlets.

Although Fortnite has now reentered the Australian iOS market, integration with the Epic Games Store will happen subsequently. Key modifications to the App Store, anticipated for March 2027, include:

Consumers can obtain applications directly from developer websites.
Developers are allowed to utilize alternative payment systems without incurring extra charges from Apple.
Apple cannot restrict developers from directing users to external platforms for purchasing apps.
Purchases made through non-Apple stores will not bear additional Apple-imposed charges.

Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, hailed the legal victory as a significant triumph for both app users and creators.

This decision comes on the heels of a previous ruling that had reinstated Fortnite on iOS around the world, excluding Australia, due to ongoing legal technicalities. Epic's earlier partial court victory did not lift the game's suspension in Australia because of disputed payment terms with Apple.

The conflict between Epic and Apple dates back to 2020, initiated by Fortnite's removal from Apple's App Store due to alleged circumvention of platform fees. The game later returned to iOS in Europe in 2024, following regulatory changes, and in the US after a ruling prohibited Apple from collecting fees on transactions occurring outside its App Store.