How alternative app stores work in Australia
Federal Court orders open rival iPhone marketplaces for Australian Apple Accounts from early 2027, subject to appeal.
Why now
Epic Games v Apple remedies open rival iPhone marketplaces for Australian Apple Accounts, subject to Apple's appeal.
Gilbert + Tobin summary of the Federal Court orders · Full explainer
- 22 Oct 2026Remedies orders made.
- Expected early 2027Commencement expected, subject to appeal or stay.
- AppYard opens when readyLaunch when distribution is lawful in Australia.
General information only, not legal advice. Timing may change if Apple appeals.
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The short answer
With an Australian Apple Account you can install from AppYard and developer websites, not only Apple's App Store, once orders take effect.
Payments and checks
Alternative payments must be allowed on equivalent terms. Apps still pass scanning and notarisation. The App Store remains available.
What the Federal Court ordered
On 22 October 2026 Justice Jonathan Beach made remedies orders in Epic Games Inc v Apple Inc (No 2) [2026] FCA 1552 under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) s 46 framework.
Rival app stores and web downloads
Apple must permit third-party marketplaces — including AppYard — and direct web downloads for Australian Apple Accounts. Developers need Apple Developer Program membership.
Alternative payments
Apple must allow alternative payment providers and external checkout links, not only in-app purchase. Pricing stays with each developer.
Security scans
Apps outside the App Store must pass scanning and notarisation before installation. AppYard adds human review — see safety.
Australian Apple Accounts
Eligibility follows your Apple Account region, not where the phone is. Australian accounts receive these remedies; other countries follow other rules, including EU DMA marketplaces. AppYard focuses on Australian accounts only.
Is "sideloading" the same thing?
News often says "sideload" for installs outside the App Store. Under the court model that still involves scanning and notarisation — not unchecked unsigned installs. Jailbreaking is separate. Pirated software remains unlawful everywhere.
What about the App Store?
Apple's App Store continues. Many people will use both Apple and AppYard — for example mainstream apps from Apple and curated emulators or Australian indie titles from us. Compare channels in AppYard vs the App Store.
How it worked in the EU
The EU opened alternative iOS marketplaces under the Digital Markets Act. AltStore PAL and the Epic Games Store run there; Setapp Mobile closed in February 2026. EU stores are not a blueprint for Australian accounts — different law and timing — but they show opportunity and risk in EU stores and Australia.
Where AppYard fits
AppYard is an independent Australian marketplace for emulators, business apps, and Australian indie titles.