Australia’s competition watchdog has stepped into one of the most consequential tech legal battles in the country, with the ACCC granted permission to intervene in the ongoing Epic Games v Apple case.

The Federal Court has allowed the regulator to make submissions focused on potential remedies, as the case moves into a critical phase that could reshape how mobile apps are distributed and monetised in Australia.

The hearing follows a landmark 2025 ruling that found Apple had misused its market power by restricting alternative app distribution channels and in-app payment systems on its devices. The decision had major implications for developers and platform operators.

ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward (pictured) said the intervention is aimed at ensuring the Court considers broader public interest concerns when determining penalties and remedies.

“This is a significant competition law matter,” Woodward said. “The orders made could have wide-ranging implications for mobile app distribution and in-app payments in Australia.”

Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, launched the case after its app was removed from Apple’s App Store in 2020 for bypassing the platform’s commission fees with its own payment system. Epic also pursued similar action against Google but that case was settled earlier this year.

The ACCC has monitored the proceedings since their inception and has previously participated in related appeals. Its latest move signals growing regulatory focus on the market power of global tech platforms.

The intervention also aligns with the ACCC’s broader push for stronger digital competition laws.

Following its five-year Digital Platform Services Inquiry, the regulator has warned that dominant platforms are engaging in practices that stifle competition, including limiting interoperability and restricting access to key systems.

As the Australian Government develops a new digital competition regime, the outcome of this case may play a key role in shaping how the app economy operates.