Court orders Apple to open iPhone to third-party app stores in Australia

On Thursday, a judge of the Federal Court of Australia ruled that Apple must allow users to download apps through alternative stores, including directly from websites. The company has at least until March 2027 to do so.

Apps downloaded from outside the App Store must undergo automated scanning for genuine security and/or privacy reasons and notarization by Apple or a suitable qualified third party. Apple also cannot prevent developers from directing users to alternative app stores and payment methods, or charge fees on purchases in third-party stores.

Judge Jonathan Beach found that Apple had breached Australia’s Competition and Consumer Act by using terms and technical measures to restrict competition. The company said it disagreed with many of the court’s findings and intends to seek a stay of the decision and appeal it.

Image: BGerdemann (WMF) CC BY-SA 4.0 · License

Translation editors: Соловьев В., Пеков А.