Australian Federal court orders Apple to open iOS
- An Australian federal court ordered Apple to open its iOS app distribution and payment markets to competition.
- Epic Games announced that its popular video game Fortnite will return to the App Store.
- The court aimed to prevent and remedy anticompetitive conduct found in the long-running legal battle.
A federal court judge ordered Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) to allow alternative app stores and permit the video game Fortnite to return to its platform.
This decision follows a previous ruling where the court found that the iPhone maker engaged in anticompetitive behaviour regarding app distribution and payments.
"This is great news for developers worldwide and iOS users in Australia who will benefit from an open mobile app ecosystem," said Epic Games.
The remedies order requires Apple to drop certain purchase fees and bar restrictions against developers pointing users to external payment options.
Following the announcement, the Apple share price was down at $343.99.
The ruling stems from a multi-year legal challenge brought by game developer Epic Games over digital marketplace rules.
A parallel class action lawsuit involving local developers and Apple is set to proceed once current matters conclude.
