US court mandates Android app competition, loosens billing rules
A three-year injunction (2024–2027) sets the timeframe for implementation overseen by a technical compliance committee.
Long-standing dominance over Android app distribution has been declared illegal by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, reinforcing a prior jury verdict in favour of Epic Games. Google now faces an injunction that compels it to allow rival app stores and alternative billing systems inside the Google Play Store ecosystem for a three-year period ending November 2027.
A technical committee jointly selected by Epic and Google will oversee sensitive implementation tasks, including granting competitors approved access to Google’s expansive app catalogue while ensuring minimal security risk. The order also requires that developers not be tied to Google’s billing system for in-app purchases.
Market analysts warn that reduced dependency on Play Store exclusivity and the option to use alternative payment processors could cut Google’s app revenue by as much as $1 to $1.5 billion annually. Despite brand recognition, developers and consumers may shift toward lower-cost alternatives competing on platform flexibility.
While the ruling aims to restore competition, Google maintains it is appealing and has requested additional delays to avoid rapid structural changes. Proponents, including Microsoft, regulators, and Epic Games, hail the decision as a landmark step toward fairer mobile market access.
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