Apple must allow rival app stores in Australia from 2027

If you use an iPhone in Australia, you should be able to get apps from somewhere other than Apple’s App Store from 1 March 2027. App makers will be able to send you to cheaper ways to pay, too.

That’s the effect of orders the Federal Court made on 22 October in Epic Games’ case against Apple. Justice Beach had already found in August 2025 that Apple misused its market power over iOS app distribution and in-app payments. These orders are the remedy.

What changes for iPhone users

The orders cover anyone whose Apple Account has its country or region set to Australia. Apple must let them find, download and update apps, including rival app stores, through other channels. That means direct downloads from websites as well as other stores.

Apple can’t charge users or developers for using those channels. It can’t stop third-party apps or app stores being pre-installed on iPhones. And it can’t add hurdles to installing outside apps that are out of proportion to the security risk.

Apple keeps one safety check. An app from outside the App Store must pass an automated scan for genuine security or privacy reasons. It must also be notarised by Apple or a suitably qualified third party.

Apple can only remove or disable an app you installed this way in limited cases:

it contains illicit, objectionable or harmful content
it is malware posing a genuine security risk that needs urgent action, or that isn’t fixed after Apple warns the developer
the Online Safety Act requires it.

Cheaper ways to pay

Inside apps on the Australian App Store, developers won’t have to use Apple’s in-app purchase system for digital content. They can use their own payment provider, or add buttons and links to pay on their website. Apple can’t stop them offering lower prices or better deals when you pay outside Apple’s system.

Apple’s cut is limited too. For apps distributed outside the App Store, Apple can’t charge any fee on purchases made with other payment methods or on websites. For App Store apps, its fee on those purchases is capped. The cap is Apple’s fee on physical goods and services bought in apps with other payment methods. Apple can add only genuine extra costs of a digital purchase.

Apple can add security requirements for other payment methods, but only ones that are necessary and proportionate. It must explain them to developers in writing first.

When it starts

Most of the orders start at noon Melbourne time on 1 March 2027. That’s 9am in Perth.

Apple can apply between 1 and 15 February 2027 to push the start date to 3 May 2027. The court would have to agree.

Epic’s own apps don’t have to wait. Apple must readmit Fortnite and Epic’s other apps, though not its app store, to the Australian App Store once Epic applies in writing. Epic posted on X that Fortnite was coming back to the App Store in Australia, Engadget reports.

Apple says it will appeal

Apple told Reuters it would “request a stay and appeal the outcome”, 9to5Mac reports. If a court grants a stay, the start date could change. The court also ordered Apple to pay 85% of Epic’s costs up to and including the liability trial.

For now, nothing changes on your iPhone. If you download apps from outside the App Store once that’s possible, keep your iPhone’s software up to date in Settings > General > Software Update. Our story on Apple’s latest security fix shows where to check.

Checklist

Check your Apple Account region. The orders apply to accounts with the country or region set to Australia.
Plan your payment options if you make apps. From 1 March 2027 developers can link to their own checkout and charge less there than through Apple’s in-app purchase.
Price in Apple’s capped fee if you sell in apps. For App Store apps, the fee on outside purchases can’t exceed Apple’s fee on physical goods plus genuine extra costs.
Watch for an extension or stay. Apple can ask between 1 and 15 February 2027 to move the start to 3 May 2027, and says it will seek a stay.
Keep your iPhone updated. If you start using apps from outside the App Store, check Settings > General > Software Update regularly.