Google and Epic Games withdrew their joint settlement agreement this week after it became clear the court would likely not allow it.
Once the settlement is reached, Google is bound by a permanent injunction issued in October 2024 requiring it to allow alternative app stores on Android devices. In a court filing (PDF), Google said it plans to start supporting alternative app stores on July 22. The edgeGoogle said it decided to withdraw the request to avoid a prolonged legal battle.
We have agreed with Epic to withdraw our motion to modify the US court injunction rather than prolong this process which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem. This allows us to focus on executing on our recently announced global business model evolution to offer greater app store selection, lower prices, and more opportunities for developers and users. We remain committed to maintaining the industry-leading security of Android and fostering a competitive ecosystem in which every app store and developer has the freedom to compete. At the same time, we continue to comply with the US Court’s injunction.
Epic Games sued Google at the same time as it sued Apple, but the cases had different judges and different results. The lawsuit largely went in Apple’s favor, but Epic Games prevailed in the Google case after a jury found that Google abused its power by exploiting an app store monopoly and charging developers fees that were too high.
Google went through an appeals process before reaching an agreement with Epic Games to try to avoid the permanent injunction, but it will now have to comply. Last March, Google announced that it would launch a global App Store program registered for sideloading later this year, but in the United States, alternative app stores will be an option on Android starting next week.
Third-party US app stores will be able to distribute the Google Play app catalog, and Google has published a guide to the process. The app stores will be available through the Google Play Store, and Google will charge alternative marketplaces a $5,000 annual access fee. Apps downloaded through alternative stores will still use the Google Play system and Google will collect its service fees from these transactions.
Google’s agreement to reduce app fees and accept other payment options is separate from the injunction requiring it to support third-party marketplaces in the Play Store. Google continues to reduce fees and offer alternative payment methods.
The injunction forcing Google to support third-party app stores does not directly impact Apple, but it is a legal outcome that Apple is fighting around the world. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act requires Apple to support alternative app marketplaces and sideloading of apps in the EU, and Apple has repeatedly said the requirement weakens user privacy and protections. Google adding support for third-party app stores through the Android Play Store could potentially impact Apple’s Epic fight or future regulatory changes.
Although Apple has largely won its legal fight against “Epic Games”, the case is ongoing. Apple was ordered to allow links and alternative payment options in the United States in 2021, and compliance issues subsequently led to a contempt ruling. Apple has now appealed to the Supreme Court, and the court will hear Apple’s argument in late 2026 or early 2027.
