Abstract:
After years of legal proceedings, the Australian Federal Court made a series of antitrust rectification requirements against Apple, ordering it to allow third-party app stores to enter the iOS ecosystem and remove restrictions on developers directing users to use external payment methods. The relevant requirements are widely regarded by the outside world as highly similar to the reforms promoted by the EU's Digital Market Act (DMA), marking a new round of regulatory pressure faced by Apple on a global scale.
According to a 1,104-paragraph court document, the court determined that some of Apple’s actions constituted anti-competitive practices and required targeted remedial measures. Although the content of the ruling is generally consistent with the rectification direction previously promoted by the EU, the specific provisions are more clearly defined to prevent Apple from circumventing relevant requirements through technical or commercial arrangements.
The court first requires Apple to allow Epic Games to resubmit "Fortnite" and other applications to the App Store, as long as these applications comply with Apple's current review specifications. In line with the spirit of the ruling, this re-listing process is expected to begin as soon as possible.
In addition to this request, the Australian Federal Court also proposed a number of specific corrective measures. Apple must allow third-party app stores to operate on the iOS platform, allowing users to discover, download and update apps through these stores. Apple may not prevent or restrict iPhone and other iOS device users from discovering and using third-party app stores, nor may it take any measures that may hinder the development of related services.
Regarding the issue of fees, the court clearly stipulated that Apple shall not charge developers or users additional fees for accessing third-party app stores, nor may it increase the operating threshold of third-party platforms through additional conditions. At the same time, Apple must not use development tools, interfaces or API access to set up barriers that would make third-party distribution channels face higher costs or more complex usage conditions than the official App Store.
In the field of payment, the court required Apple to completely remove anti-steering restrictions, not to prevent developers from recommending other payment methods to users, and not to force apps to use Apple's own in-app purchase system to complete transactions.
Regarding security management issues, the court stated that Apple can still set security requirements for sideloaded applications or third-party app stores, but these requirements must match the security risks that are clearly defined in advance, and cannot set up unreasonable obstacles in the name of security.
In addition, Apple must also allow developers to freely use other payment processing solutions in applications published in the official App Store and third-party app stores. Whether installing an app or making a payment, users should not encounter extra steps, warnings, or other artificial barriers when choosing non-Apple channels.
According to the court order, Apple must complete all rectification requirements before March 1, 2027. If the company does not anticipate that it will be completed on time, it will need to submit relevant evidence to the court before February 15, 2027, and explain the reasons for the extension.
The ruling also requires Apple to bear approximately 85% of Epic Games’ legal costs in this lawsuit. However, it is generally expected in the industry that Apple will continue to appeal the relevant rulings and seek to adjust or postpone some rectification requirements through subsequent legal procedures.
As the European Union, Australia and other jurisdictions successively promote open application ecosystems and payment systems, Apple's long-standing closed business model built around the App Store is facing increasing regulatory challenges. In the coming years, these regulatory measures may further change the rules for software distribution and app payment on the iOS platform.
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