It has been a long time coming for mobile gamers down under. The wildly popular game Fortnite is finally heading back to iPhones in Australia this Thursday. The return comes after a major win for its creator, Epic Games, in a federal court case against tech giant Apple. The judge ruled that the phone maker broke competition laws and ordered the company to open its software system to other options.
Judge forces Apple to bring the game back right away
The Australian federal court ruled that the iPhone maker must allow alternative places to download software and new ways to pay for digital goods on its devices. While the broader changes to the ecosystem are not required until March 2027, the court made it clear that Epic apps need to be allowed back on the official App Store immediately.
Australia was the only country left out when the game made its global comeback on iOS devices earlier in May. The gaming company held off on releasing the app there while it fought in court over the strict payment rules placed on developers.
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The iPhone maker told Reuters it strongly disagrees with the decision. The company plans to ask for a pause on the order and file an appeal, arguing it needs to protect its property and keep its users safe from outside risks.
Even with appeals looming, the decision chips away at the closed software system the company has guarded for years. For now, it stands as a clear victory for mobile players who just want to drop back onto the island from their phones.
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