In the United States, Google has been required to allow competing app stores onto Google Play and has been prohibited from entering into exclusive deals with developers
An American court has issued a final ruling in the Epic Games versus Google case. It upheld the verdict delivered in December 2023 and recognized Google as a monopolist in the Android device application market.
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The court has mandated Google to:
- allow competing app stores to distribute themselves on Google Play;
- grant competing app stores access to the Google Play library. App developers can individually opt out of this;
- stop requiring developers to use Google's payment system for apps on Google Play;
- allow developers to inform users about alternative payment methods and provide links to download apps outside Google Play;
- allow developers to set their own prices for apps that do not use Google's payment system;
- cease offering money or incentives to Android device manufacturers for pre-installing Google Play or for refusing to pre-install competing app stores;
- cease offering money or incentives to app developers for exclusive releases on Google Play;
- stop sharing app revenue with those who distribute apps or plan to launch their own store or corresponding platform.
The court's ruling is set to take effect on November 1, 2024, and will remain in force until November 1, 2027. Epic Games initially sought six-year restrictions, but the court deemed three years sufficient for Google’s competitors to enter and establish themselves in the market.
Google has already stated it will file an appeal.
