Google Must Crack Open Android for Third-Party Stores, Rules Epic Judge
Matilda
Google Must Crack Open Android for Third-Party Stores, Rules Epic Judge
A groundbreaking ruling has shaken the Android ecosystem, as Judge James Donato recently ordered Google to make sweeping changes to its app store operations following the high-profile antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games. This decision is expected to open the Google Play Store to third-party app stores, marking a major victory for Epic Games and other developers seeking a fairer app marketplace. The ruling, set to take effect from November 1, 2024, will fundamentally change how Google operates in the mobile app space, with implications that could ripple through the tech industry for years to come. Overview of the Epic vs. Google Case The legal battle between Epic Games and Google began in August 2020, when Epic accused Google of operating an illegal monopoly over the Android app market. Epic's argument hinged on Google’s restrictive policies for developers using the Play Store, including its requirement that all apps utilize Google’s payment system and its 30% commission on in-app …