Australia’s Federal Court orders Apple to loosen its App Store control in Australia, requiring access for competing app stores and alternative payment methods starting in March 2027. Apple app distribution and in-app purchasing rules will change for users whose Apple Account region is Australia, according to the coverage.
The ruling follows earlier findings that Apple misused its market power by restricting app distribution and payment options. Outlets describe court-mandated conditions such as allowing users to find, download, install, and update apps through competing marketplaces, and limiting what Apple can charge and how it can restrict developers. The court also requires security checks to remain for apps distributed outside the App Store, but aims to prevent disproportionate installation barriers.
Across the reporting, the differing emphasis is on how far the measures go and the broader policy context. One outlet frames it as Australia forcing “DMA-like” changes, referencing the EU’s Digital Markets Act, while another highlights Apple’s planned appeal and the timeline from March 2027.
