Australian watchdog considers regulating Apple and Google to boost app store competition

Push comes as Fortnite creator Epic Games fights a global legal battle against the tech giants over in-app payments

As Fortnite creator Epic Games continues its global legal battle against Apple and Google over in-app payments, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says upfront rules and regulations" may be needed to force the tech giants to open their app stores to greater competition.

For Apple iOS platforms, developers must use the App Store, while for Google, apps can be installed on Android devices outside the Play store either through direct download or alternative marketplaces, but uptake of these options is limited.