Australian Court Rules Apple and Google Abused App Store Market PowerThe Federal Court of Australia has ruled that Apple and Google abused their market dominance in app distribution, marking a significant victory for Epic Games in its long-running fight over app store policies.
Judge Jonathan Beach found that both companies engaged in anti-competitive conduct by using their control over app stores to limit competition. However, the court rejected Epic’s claims of “unconscionable conduct.”
Epic, creator of Fortnite, has challenged Apple’s and Google’s in-app purchase fee structures in multiple countries. Earlier this year, it won a key battle in the U.S., leading to Fortnite’s return to Apple’s App Store there after a five-year absence.
Following Tuesday’s ruling, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed that Fortnite and the Epic Games Store would return to Apple’s Australian App Store soon.
In a statement, Google welcomed the court’s rejection of certain Epic demands — including forcing Google to host rival app stores within Google Play — but disagreed with the findings on its billing policies. Apple also pushed back, maintaining that its App Store is the “safest way” for users to download apps and disputing parts of the judgment.
The decision could reshape app store practices in Australia, potentially reducing the grip Apple and Google hold over developers and paving the way for alternative payment systems and distribution methods.
For Epic, it’s another step in a global campaign to challenge what it calls “monopolistic control” in the mobile app economy — a campaign that could have ripple effects well beyond Australia’s borders.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_h8xn8Jaso
