Fortnite and Epic Games Store’s Australian iOS return confirmed by developer after partial win against tech giants in court

Fortnite and Epic Games Store are finally making their return to iOS devices in Australia. Such a major shift follows the partial legal victory of Epic Games against tech giants Apple and Google.

The Australian court ruling has paved the way for the popular game Fortnite after its five-year absence from iOS devices. As per the Federal Court’s ruling, Apple and Google engaged in anti-competitive behaviour.Here is all you need to know about the ruling that can lead to major changes in how the digital marketplaces operate within Australia.

Australian Court rules against the tech giant's practices

The Federal court has finally offered a partial win for Epic Games this week.

Justice Jonathan Bench found that both Apple and Google misused their market power. They violated Australian Competition laws. They restricted the alternative payment system and app distribution methods. Reportedly, as ruled by the judge, the giants substantially lessened competition.Quite specifically, the Australian court condemned the practices that forced the developers to use the payment systems of tech giants.

It included banning the sideloading of applications on iOS and further restricting alternative payment methods. While Epic Games' claim of the unconscionable conduct was rejected, the Apple Google anti-competitive behavior core finding stood firm. Such legal validation directly enabled the return of Epic Games to the iOS platform.

What was the entire conflict about?

The conflict, as per reports, ignited in August 2020, when Epic Games introduced a direct payment system in Fortnite.

Epic Games direct payment system bypassed the 30% commission of Apple, thereby leading to Fortnite being removed from the App Store. Even Google followed the same suit on the Play Store. While Fortnite did return to the Android Play Store, the iOS ban continued to persist.

Epic Games now took to X to confirm the end of their exile. As per the Epic Games court ruling post, “The Epic Games Store and Fortnite will come to iOS in Australia!” 2000+ pages of findings by the court were also framed by the developer as a clear win for consumers and developers, breaking down the restrictive barriers.

iOS Fortnite availability though has not been confirmed yet.The decision of the court to not just allow Fortnite return to iOS Australia but also open up the Epic Games Store to launch on Apple devices, is a huge win. It could encourage competition. Epic Games Store Australian return will also offer all more choices beyond Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

How did the tech giants respond to the ruling?

As per reports, Apple and Google both expressed their disagreement with the key rulings. While Apple used words like “strongly disagrees” with parts of the decision, they did welcome certain Epic Games claims.

Google, on the other hand, went ahead to contest the court’s characterization of billing policies and the partnerships. Despite all, the court findings continue to stand.

Some potential appeals made to the Federal Court full bench are an option for now, for the tech giants. Lawyers, too, would return separately to court to determine the potential compensation that Epic Games might be owed. As for the Australian iOS users, immediate outcomes remain clear—Epic Games Store and Fortnite are coming back.