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In a fiery escalation of their global legal war, Apple has accused Epic Games of demanding a "free ride" on its platform as Australian courts weigh remedies following a landmark antitrust ruling. The August 2025 decision by Australia's federal court found Apple's prohibition on sideloading apps and alternative payment systems violated competition laws—but crucially affirmed Apple's right to charge for its technology and raised security concerns about third-party stores.

"Epic is now asking to free ride on Apple's platform and dismantle every safeguard we've put in place," Apple stated, arguing Epic's proposal to allow iPhone sideloading without compensation goes beyond the court's ruling. The tech giant warned such measures would compromise the "safe, secure experience consumers and developers expect."

The Core Conflict

  • Epic's Position: Following the court's antitrust finding, Epic seeks court-ordered sideloading in Australia with no fees to Apple, enabling Fortnite's return to iOS without App Store constraints.
  • Apple's Counter: The company contends Epic's demands ignore the court's acknowledgment of Apple's intellectual property rights and security responsibilities. Apple insists any sideloading implementation must include compensation and safeguards.

Global Implications

This Australian battle extends far beyond two corporations. A ruling forcing Apple to allow unfettered sideloading could accelerate global regulatory momentum, building on the EU's Digital Markets Act. However, Apple's partial legal victory—retaining rights to fees and security oversight—suggests a potential middle ground. Developers worldwide are watching closely, as outcomes could influence:
- Revenue share models for app marketplaces
- Security frameworks for third-party app stores
- Global regulatory approaches to platform governance

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The Road to Resolution

With an initial remedies hearing scheduled for December 2025 and a final ruling expected by March 2026, the court faces a delicate balancing act:
1. Opening iOS ecosystems to competition as mandated
2. Preserving Apple's IP rights and security protocols
3. Setting precedents for other jurisdictions

As Apple's walled garden faces unprecedented legal challenges globally, this case represents a critical test case for how democracies reconcile innovation, competition, and user protection in the mobile era. The outcome could determine whether Fortnite returns to Australian iPhones—and how fundamentally Apple's ecosystem evolves under regulatory pressure.

Source: MacRumors