Google must crack open Android for third-party stores, rules Epic judge

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https://www.theverge.com/policy/2024/10/7/24243316/epic-google-permanent-injunction-ruling-third-party-stores

Google must give rival third-party app stores access to the full catalog of Google Play apps — and distribute third-party stores.

Google’s Android app store is an illegal monopoly — and now it will have to change.

Today, Judge James Donato issued his final ruling in Epic v. Google, ordering Google to effectively open up the Google Play app store to competition for three whole years. Google will have to distribute rival third-party app stores within Google Play, and it must give rival third-party app stores access to the full catalog of Google Play apps, unless developers opt out individually.

These were Epic’s biggest asks, and they might change the Android app marketplace forever — if they aren’t immediately paused or blocked on appeal.

And they’re not all that Epic has won today…

* Judge copied EU’s 3rd party store DMA.
Apple is off the hook for now.

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Why we’re appealing the Epic Games verdict

The Epic verdict missed the obvious: Apple and Android clearly compete. We will appeal and ask the courts to pause implementing the remedies to maintain a consistent and safe experience for users and developers as the legal process moves forward.

Today, the court overseeing our ongoing U.S. legal proceedings with Epic Games ordered changes to Android and Google Play, requested by Epic. As we have already stated, these changes would put consumers’ privacy and security at risk, make it harder for developers to promote their apps, and reduce competition on devices. Ultimately, while these changes presumably satisfy Epic, they will cause a range of unintended consequences that will harm American consumers, developers and device makers…

We are appealing that underlying decision and we will ask the courts to pause Epic’s requested changes, pending that appeal. Our appeal will show that:..

* The verdict require Google to implement the changes: Starting November 1st, 2024, and ending November 1st, 2027

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