Australian court orders Apple to allow iPhone sideloading and third-party payments from 2027

Briefing by News4U · First published

Judge rules Apple breached competition law; Epic wins re-entry of Fortnite and broad remedies.

ITHome reports that an Australian federal judge ruled Apple must let Australian iPhone users install apps from third-party stores and websites and use alternative payment systems starting 1 March 2027. [1]

The 235-page judgment found Apple holds substantial market power and violated the Competition and Consumer Act by blocking outside distribution and mandating its own in-app payments. [1]

Epic Games said Fortnite will return to the Australian App Store immediately; Apple said it will seek a stay and appeal. [1]

Sources

  1. Epic Games 胜诉,澳大利亚法院裁定苹果必须开放 iPhone 侧载与第三方支付

    ITHome · · Summary only

Link to this briefing · Back to news