An epic legal battle between Apple and one of the world’s most popular video game makers is a stark reminder that Australia needs a major overhaul of how Apple and Google are regulated, the competition watchdog says.

Hearings in the protracted stoush over who gets the control app stores and payment systems on mobile phones are set to start in the Federal Court in Melbourne on Monday. Epic Games, a North Carolina-headquartered software developer, has accused Apple of illegally using its control of the iPhone app store to stifle competition.