Google and Epic Games back down in dispute and pave the way for new app stores on Android

Google and Epic Games this week withdrew a joint request to modify an injunction requiring Google to support third-party app stores on Google Play. The two companies abandoned the legal request after it became clear that the court would not accept it.

Tech giant Google is now subject to a permanent injunction, issued in October 2024, that forces it to allow alternative app platforms on Android devices. In a court document, Google stated that it plans to begin supporting these alternative stores from July 22nd. In an official statement, the company stated that it had decided to withdraw the motion to avoid a prolonged legal battle.

On the same topic: Agreement between Google and Epic Games releases alternative platforms on the Android system

“We agree with Epic to withdraw our motion to modify the U.S. Court’s injunction rather than prolong this process that creates uncertainty for the ecosystem. This allows us to focus on executing our recently announced global business model evolution to offer greater choice of app stores, lower prices, and more opportunities for developers and users. We remain committed to preserving Android’s industry-leading security and fostering a competitive ecosystem where every app store and developer has the freedom to compete. In parallel, we continue to comply with the injunction of the US Court,” Google said.

Epic Games sued Google at the same time it sued Apple, but the cases had different judges and results. While the case against Apple largely favored the company, Epic Games was successful in its case against Google after a jury determined that the search company abused its power by operating an app store monopoly and charging developers excessive fees.

Third-party app stores in the United States will now be able to distribute the Google Play app catalog. Google has already published a detailed guide on the process. These stores will be available through the Google Play Store itself, and Google will charge an annual access fee of $5,000 to these alternative platforms. Apps downloaded through alternative stores will still use the Google Play system, and Google will continue to collect its service fee on these transactions.

It’s important to note that Google’s agreement with Epic Games to reduce app fees and accept alternative payment options is separate from the injunction requiring support for third-party marketplaces on the Play Store, and it remains in effect. Google continues to add support for external payment methods and lower its fees.

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While the injunction forcing Google to support third-party app stores does not have a direct impact on Apple, it represents a legal outcome that the Apple company has been fighting globally. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), for example, requires Apple to support alternative app marketplaces and side-installation of apps in the European Union, a measure that Apple has repeatedly said weakens user privacy and protections. Google’s support for third-party app stores through the Android Play Store could eventually influence Apple’s own dispute with Epic or future regulatory changes.

A recent update clarifies that Google and Epic Games have not abandoned their agreement, but rather have withdrawn their joint motion to modify the injunction requiring Google to support third-party app stores on its Android platform.

Google had asked the court for permission to distribute third-party app stores on Google Play through the “Registered App Stores” program, which it plans to launch globally later this year. However, now Google will implement a program in the United States and another in other countries.

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The agreement between Epic Games and Google remains intact and will result in Google reducing fees. The settlement covers litigation in Australia and the United Kingdom, in addition to the United States.