Apple just got slapped for 'non-competitive conduct' by Australia’s top court — and ordered to allow rival iPhone app stores Down Under

The Federal Court of Australia has ruled against Apple, ordering the company to open up its iOS ecosystem in Australia to rival app stores. The decision was handed down by Justice Jonathan Beach, who deemed Apple's actions as non-competitive conduct. Apple is also mandated to reinstate the video game Fortnite and other Epic Games apps onto the Australian App Store, which were banned six years ago due to the company's attempts to bypass Apple’s payment systems. These orders are set to come into effect on March 1, 2027, at noon Australian Eastern time.

Justice Beach criticized Apple for its "deliberate and comprehensive strategy of foreclosure" in relation to iOS app distribution. The court claims that Apple systematically implemented practices to circumvent the constraints imposed by regulatory or judicial measures. In response to the ruling, Apple's spokesperson expressed disagreement with the decision, claiming that Apple does not possess a monopoly position in Australia or any other market.

The company plans to appeal the ruling, requesting a delay until February 15 to seek a resolution that respects its intellectual property and maintains the secure experience expected by consumers and developers.

Apple's legal battle with Epic Games over antitrust issues began in August 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store for allowing in-app purchases of the video game's currency, V-bucks, to circumvent Apple's 30% commission fee on in-app purchases. The dispute has since escalated to various courts, including the US Supreme Court, which ruled in Apple's favor last year.

Following this, a 2024 ruling required Apple to permit US customers to add links and buttons within their apps to access websites where they can input credit card information.

Despite these developments, Apple intends to appeal the Australian decision. The outcome of this appeal remains uncertain, as it may impact the implementation of changes expected in March 2027.