Australia finds Apple and Google abuse app store power

Australia's Federal Court finds that Apple and Google abused their dominant position in app stores, a decision that could influence how digital marketplaces are governed.

Australia finds Apple and Google abuse app store power

In the Federal Court of Australia, Judge Jonathan Beach ruled that Apple and Google abused their dominant position in app distribution by limiting competition. The ruling rejected claims of unconscionable conduct. It found that the two companies used their market power to steer terms of distribution in the app stores.

The ruling may lead to remedies that change how payments are processed and how apps appear in the stores. Epic Games has pursued similar concerns in other places and has said that Fortnite and the Epic Games Store may return to the Apple App Store in Australia soon, depending on the court outcome. Apple and Google said their stores provide safety and security for users and that they disagree with parts of the ruling.

This decision places Australia among a wave of regulatory scrutiny over how big app stores operate. It raises questions about protecting consumers while giving developers fair access to markets.

The ruling could push remedies that balance security with competition. If applied thoughtfully, it may help smaller developers gain a foothold without undermining user trust; if too aggressive, it could complicate app safety and quality control. The next steps will hinge on how remedies are shaped and how regulators abroad respond.

Highlights

The outcome will echo beyond this case as regulators and markets adjust to new norms around platform power.