Google Settles Antitrust Case with Epic Games, Agrees to Major Android App Store Reforms

Google and Epic Games reached a major U.S. court settlement. This agreement resolves Epic’s 2020 antitrust lawsuit against Google. The original suit claimed Google illegally monopolized app access on Android devices. A jury found Google guilty of anti-competitive practices in 2023.

The settlement requires significant changes to the Google Play Store. Google will now allow users to easily download third-party app stores. These rival stores must still meet new security rules. Developers also get more freedom. They can direct users to alternative payment methods inside their apps. They can also use external web links for purchases.

Crucially, Google has capped its service fee on transactions. The fee will be either 9% or 20% for apps using non-Play Store payment options. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called the proposal “awesome.” He sees it as a major win for all developers and consumers. The proposed settlement still needs approval from U.S. District Judge James Donato.