Epic Games said Fortnite would return to Apple’s Australian App Store on Oct. 22, after an Australian Federal Court judgment found competition-law violations by Apple. Reuters independently reported the return. [2] [3]

The court’s judgment, Epic Games Inc v Apple Inc (No 2), records contraventions involving restrictions on downloading native iOS apps outside Apple’s App Store and on using alternative payment options for digital in-app purchases. Those are findings in the court’s decision, not merely Epic’s characterization of the dispute. [1]

Broader changes are scheduled for 2027

The court’s remedies apply to the Australian App Store and users with an Australian Apple Account. Core changes are scheduled to begin on March 1, 2027. They would allow app installation from websites and third-party marketplaces, while developers could use non-Apple payment options and link users to purchases outside apps. [1] [4]

That date is planned, not a change already in force. The judgment allows Apple to apply in February for a further two-month period. If the court accepts the application, the start could move to May 3, 2027. [1]

Epic’s readmission is a separate step. 9to5Mac reports the Fortnite-specific order is not subject to the broader March delay and takes effect after Epic submits a written application, subject to applicable developer rules. Apple has said it will seek a stay and appeal, so the outcome remains contestable. [4]

A national ruling with defined limits

The decision does not require Apple to open its store worldwide. The court allows Apple to retain security scanning and notarization for apps distributed outside its store, and does not require it to list rival marketplaces within the App Store. [4]

Fortnite’s Australian return is the immediate result. The larger test will be the scheduled 2027 changes and whether they alter how developers distribute apps and collect payments on iPhones in Australia. The ruling is geographically limited, and Apple’s planned appeal could affect implementation. [1] [4]

Sources

[1] Australian Federal Court: Epic Games Inc v Apple Inc (No 2) [2026] FCA 1552 [2] Reuters: Fortnite returns to Apple App Store in Australia after ruling [3] Epic Games Newsroom: Fortnite is coming back to the App Store in Australia [4] 9to5Mac: Australian court ruling requires Apple to open iPhone