Australia: Federal Court of Australia issued ruling against Apple over alleged misuse of market power in application payment services and distribution methods

On 12 August 2025, the Federal Court of Australia issued a ruling against Apple, finding that it contravened section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act by misusing market power in iPhone Operating System (iOS) application (app) distribution and in-app payment processing. The ruling highlighted that Apple contravened section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act, which prohibits a corporation with a substantial degree of power in a market from engaging in conduct that has the purpose or effect of substantially lessening competition. The ruling highlighted that Apple’s restrictions on sideloading and alternative payment methods had the purpose, effect, or likely effect of substantially lessening competition. The ruling also dismissed claims of exclusive dealing, anticompetitive arrangements, and unconscionable conduct. The ruling also provided that Apple has 28 days to appeal the ruling.