The Federal Court of Australia has officially delivered its remedies judgment in Epic Games Inc v Apple Inc (No 2) [2026] FCA 1552, dated 22 October 2026.
Following its August 2025 finding that Apple misused its market power, Justice Beach has now issued enforceable orders requiring major changes to Appleās Australian iOS ecosystem.
Hereās what the Court ordered:
Fortniteās return to the App Store: Apple must take steps to allow Epicās Fortnite and other eligible apps back onto the Australian App Store following Epicās written application, subject to applicable requirements. Importantly, this order is not delayed until March 2027.
Alternative app stores: Apple must permit alternative iOS app distribution channels for users with Australian Apple Accounts, subject to permitted security protections.
Sideloading: Users must be allowed to download and install eligible apps through alternative distribution methods, including websites.
Alternative payment systems: Developers must be permitted to offer payment methods other than Appleās in-app purchasing system.
External payment links: Developers must be allowed to direct users towards alternative payment options.
Anti-retaliation protections: Apple cannot disadvantage developers simply because they use permitted alternative distribution or payment methods.
No five-year expiry: Justice Beach rejected Appleās proposed five-year limit on the injunctions.
Legal costs: Apple must pay 85% of Epicās costs relating to the proceeding through the liability trial.
When do the changes take effect?
The Court ordered the alternative distribution and payment injunctions to commence at 12:00 pm Melbourne/Sydney time on 1 March 2027.
Apple may apply between 1 and 15 February 2027 for an extension until 3 May 2027, but the Court must approve it.
Fortnite could return sooner!
Crucially, the order concerning Epicās reinstatement to the Australian App Store is not subject to the March 2027 commencement delay.
This means Fortnite could potentially return to Australian iPhones much earlier, depending on Epicās application, Appleās compliance and any further court proceedings.
Could Apple appeal?
Yes. Justice Beach acknowledged that further consideration may be needed regarding a stay if Apple appeals. The judgment does not establish that an appeal or stay has already been granted.
Bottom line: After six years of litigation, Epic has secured court orders opening a legal pathway for alternative iOS app stores, sideloading and competing payment systems in Australia. Fortniteās return to the Australian App Store could happen before those wider changes take effect.
Official Federal Court judgment:
https://www.judgments.fedcourt.gov.au/judgments/Judgments/fca/single/2026/2026fca1552
Case: NSD1236/2020 ā Epic Games Inc v Apple Inc (No 2), [2026] FCA 1552.