Thursday, October 22, 2026
LegalNews

Australian judge orders Apple to make big changes to its App Store rules

An Australian federal judge has ordered Apple to make big changes to its App Store rules following the never-ending antitrust battle with Epic Games.

An Australian federal judge has ordered Apple to make big changes to its App Store rules following the never-ending antitrust battle with Epic Games, reports 9to5Mac. 

The judge said Apple must allow iPhone users with Australian Apple Accounts to install apps from third-party app stores and websites starting March 1, 2027. As noted by 9to5Mac, among the practices singled out by the judge were:

  • Blocking app downloads and installations outside the App Store
  • Preventing developers from distributing apps through alternative channels
  • Requiring developers to use Apple’s in-app payment system
  • Prohibiting links to alternative payment methods
  • Requiring developers to offer content purchased elsewhere through Apple’s in-app purchase system as well.
  • Preventing developers from handling refunds directly

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Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.

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