An Epic judge orders that Google must open Android to third-party stores.
Soon, Android could undergo a significant change.
A judge has determined that Google’s Android app store is an illegal monopoly and has ordered significant changes to its operation. The decision by Judge James Donato in the Epic v. Google case means that, for a period of three years, Google must open its Google Play store to competition. This includes allowing other third-party app stores to be distributed within Google Play and granting them access to the full catalog of apps on Google Play, unless developers opt out individually.
These measures are part of Epic's main demands and could transform the app market on Android, unless they are suspended or blocked on appeal. From November 1, 2024, until November 1, 2027, Google will also be required to do the following:
- Eliminate the requirement to use Google Play Billing for apps distributed in its store.
- Allow Android developers to inform users of other payment options within Google Play.
- Facilitate developers in providing links to download their apps outside of Google Play.
- Allow developers to set their own prices, independent of Google Play Billing.
In addition, Google will not be able to engage in several practices deemed anticompetitive, such as sharing app revenue with third-party distributors or offering incentives to developers to launch their apps exclusively on Google Play.
Epic successfully argued that Google had established such a wide array of agreements that it hindered the emergence of rival stores. The judge's decision opens the door for real competitors to arise against Google's monopoly.
Despite these changes, Google will still maintain some control over security and protection in its store while allowing the entry of competitors. The judge has set an eight-month deadline to implement a new system, which will be supervised by a technical committee jointly selected by Epic and Google.
Epic did not get all its requests, as the judge granted a three-year period instead of six and did not allow users to install apps with a single click. However, the judge emphasized the need to balance the conditions to allow competition without overly restricting Google as a competitor.
An interesting aspect is that even large companies like Amazon have faced difficulties competing with Google due to the dominance of the Play Store. Although Amazon's app store has not managed to be a significant competitor, the judicial decision could provide an opportunity for other stores to establish themselves.
Despite the changes ordered by the judge, Google has already expressed that these could lead to "a series of unintended consequences that will harm consumers, developers, and device manufacturers." The company plans to appeal the decision.
Epic Games, which originally sued Google in August 2020, has made progress in its fight against what it considers monopolistic practices. In comparison, its case against Apple ended with a major ruling in favor of the tech company, limiting Epic's victories in that instance.
The development of this case is expected to continue generating tension between Epic and Google, especially regarding the implementation of the measures ordered by the court. The current situation reinforces the debate surrounding competition in the app market and the operational structure of digital platforms.
