After years of litigation, Apple has been told by the Federal Court of Australia to allow alternative App Stores and end anti-steering practices, basically copying previous rulings.

Apple is facing antitrust lawsuits and similar battles around the world. The EU has forced a lot of change to the Apple App Store thanks to the Digital Markets Act, and it seems the Australian government wants similar action through a single piece of legislation.

According to the 1,104-paragraph filing, Apple has engaged in antitrust conduct that warrants remedial action. The demands made are similar in scope to the EU's DMA, though with some specificity to prevent any wiggle room from Apple.

First, Apple must allow Epic to resubmit Fortnite and any other apps to the App Store, provided they follow Apple's current guidelines. It seems this resubmission is expected to occur immediately.

In addition, the following demands are being made by the Australian Federal Court:

  • Apple must allow alternative app stores where users can discover, download, and update apps.
  • Apple must not prohibit, prevent, or take any action that would hinder users of iOS devices from discovering or using alternative app stores.
  • No fees or conditions for access to alternative app stores can be imposed against developers or users.
  • Apple can't impose fees or conditions to access to any tool or API that would make using alternative app stores or distribution channels more onerous than those applied to iOS apps.
  • Anti-steering to alternative payment methods for App Store apps can't be implemented, nor can Apple require App Store apps use in-app purchase provided by Apple.
  • Security requirements for side loaded apps or those from alternative app stores must only be proportionate to needs that have been previously defined as a security risk.
  • Apple must allow alternative accepting and processing payments for in-app purchases in apps for either App Store or alternative app store apps.
  • Users must not find any friction when choosing to pay with alternative payments or installing apps from outside of the App Store.

Apple must have these orders completed by March 1, 2027. It has until February 15, 2027 to submit evidence of why it might need an extension if it isn't ready by February 1.

The court also says Apple owes 85% of Epic's costs for the trial. As always, Apple is expected to appeal every step of the way.