Question 1

What is AppYard?

Accepted Answer

AppYard is an independent Australian marketplace for iPhone apps — the other place to get your apps. It focuses on emulators and legal homebrew, business apps for startups and small business, and Australian-made apps and indie games. AppYard is not live yet.

Question 2

When will AppYard open?

Accepted Answer

Court orders are expected to allow rival stores for Australian Apple Accounts from early 2027, but timing may change because Apple has said it will appeal. AppYard will open when it is lawful and workable. Join the waitlist for confirmed dates.

Question 3

Can I use a different app store on my iPhone in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. In October 2026 the Federal Court ordered Apple to let people with Australian Apple Accounts install apps from rival app stores and websites. The orders are expected from early 2027, subject to appeal.

Question 4

Is it safe to install apps from outside the App Store?

Accepted Answer

Under the court orders, apps distributed outside the App Store must pass an automated security and privacy scan and be notarised. AppYard adds human review, does not list pirated content, and lets you report problems. No store can promise zero risk.

Question 5

Is sideloading legal in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Installing apps from outside the App Store is set to become an officially supported option for Australian Apple Accounts under the October 2026 orders, expected from early 2027, subject to appeal. What you install must still be lawful.

Question 6

Do I need an Australian Apple Account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The court orders apply to Apple Accounts set to Australia, not where the phone happens to be. Accounts set to other countries follow different rules.

Question 7

Does AppYard work on iPad?

Accepted Answer

We will confirm device support before launch. Join the waitlist to hear when details are ready.

Question 8

Are emulators allowed on iPhone in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since April 2024 Apple's App Store rules have allowed retro game console emulators worldwide, including Australia. AppYard will curate emulators and legal homebrew only — never pirated games.

Question 9

Will apps be cheaper?

Accepted Answer

Developers can set their own prices outside Apple's in-app payment system under the orders. Whether any app is cheaper is up to its developer.

Question 10

Will my apps still get updates?

Accepted Answer

Updates depend on the developer and the distribution path. AppYard will support updates for apps listed here once the marketplace is live.

Question 11

Is AppYard part of Apple?

Accepted Answer

No. AppYard is an independent Australian company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Apple Inc.

Question 12

What happens if Apple's appeal succeeds?

Accepted Answer

We will follow the courts. If timing or rules change, waitlist members hear first.

Question 13

Who can list apps on AppYard?

Accepted Answer

Developers who are members of the Apple Developer Program and meet AppYard's content and review rules. You do not have to be based in Australia.

Question 14

Do I need the Apple Developer Program to list?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Reported summaries of the orders require developers to be current Apple Developer Program members.

Question 15

What does it cost to list on AppYard?

Accepted Answer

Terms are being finalised. Register as a developer to receive fees and payment options when they are published.

AppYard FAQ

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