Epic Games has announced that Fortnite and the Epic Games Store will return to iOS devices in Australia after a landmark federal court ruling found that Apple and Google abused their dominance over app distribution and in-app payments to limit competition. The ruling, delivered by Judge Jonathan Beach, marks a partial victory for Epic in its years-long legal battle against the tech giants.
Background of the Case
Epic sued Apple and Google for what it claimed were anti-competitive practices including the imposition of up to 30% commissions on in-app purchases and restrictions on alternative payment methods. Apple had removed Fortnite from the App Store in 2020 after Epic introduced a direct payment option bypassing Apple’s fees. Since then, Epic has fought a series of lawsuits globally, arguing for more open app ecosystems.
Details of the Australian Ruling
- The court found that Apple and Google misused their market power by restricting app distribution and payment options.
- It ruled that these practices substantially lessened competition in the Australian market.
- However, the court rejected claims by Epic that Apple and Google had engaged in unconscionable conduct (harsh or unfair behavior).
- The judgment spans over 2,000 pages, with a summary publicly available so far.
Implications for Fortnite and Epic Games Store on iOS
Following the ruling, Epic confirmed on its official channels that Fortnite and its own app store will be made available on iOS in Australia at a date yet to be announced. This means Apple will likely have to allow third-party app stores and alternative payment systems on iPhones sold in Australia, similar to changes already seen in the EU and other regions.
The Epic Games Store and Fortnite will come to iOS in Australia! An Australian court just found that Apple and Google abuse their control over app distribution and in-app payments to limit competition. There are 2,000+ pages of findings that we’ll need to dig into to fully…
— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) August 12, 2025
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney called the ruling a “victory” for developers and consumers in Australia, while Apple and Google have expressed disagreement with parts of the judgment and said they will review the full ruling for next steps.
Global Context
- In the US, Epic largely lost its fight against Apple but has seen more success against Google.
- Fortnite was previously removed from the iOS App Store, but returned via alternative app stores in some regions like the EU.
- The Australian ruling aligns with a worldwide trend of increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressure on Apple and Google’s app store practices.
What’s Next?
Epic Games will now navigate the complexities of the ruling to bring Fortnite and its Epic Games Store to iOS users in Australia. This represents a notable win for competition in the mobile app market in Australia and could have ripple effects on how Apple and Google operate their marketplaces globally.
The exact date for Fortnite’s return on iOS in Australia remains to be announced.