Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Google and Epic Games Propose Play Store Settlement With App Store Reforms
Google has a big store for phone apps called the Play Store, and a company called Epic Games, which makes Fortnite, sued them.
Epic said Google was being unfair by controlling how apps are sold and how people pay for things inside apps.
Now, Google and Epic have agreed to a settlement.
This means Google will make changes so it's easier for people to get apps from other places and use different ways to pay for things.
They also agreed on new rules for fees Google charges.
This should make things more competitive and give people more choices.
A judge needs to approve this deal, and they will discuss it soon.
Google and Epic Games have proposed a settlement to end a five-year antitrust lawsuit concerning Google Play Store practices.
The settlement includes reforms aimed at lowering fees, boosting competition, and expanding choices for developers and consumers on Android.
Google will allow easier downloads of third-party app stores and enable developers to direct users to alternative payment methods.
A capped service fee of 9% or 20% would apply to transactions using alternative payment options in Play-distributed apps.
The proposal requires approval from US District Judge James Donato, with a hearing scheduled for Thursday.
- Who
- Google (Alphabet) and Epic Games
- What
- Reached a proposed settlement to resolve Epic's antitrust lawsuit regarding Google Play Store practices, including agreement on app store reforms.
- When
- Joint filing on Tuesday, with a hearing scheduled for Thursday.
- Where
- Federal court in San Francisco.
- Why
- To end the legal dispute over alleged monopolistic practices in app distribution, in-app purchases, and to implement reforms that lower fees and boost competition.
Google's Position
Epic Games' Position
App Distribution and Payment Processing
Google's Position
Google's proposed changes aim to maintain user safety while increasing flexibility for developers and consumers, allowing easier downloads of third-party app stores and alternative payment methods.
Epic Games' Position
Epic Games views the proposal as a positive step that "genuinely doubles down on Android's original vision as an open platform," making it easier to install competing app stores and use third-party payment systems.
Court Injunction and Reforms
Google's Position
Google sought to modify the existing injunction, arguing some aspects went too far, potentially harming its competitive position and compromising user safety. Google had appealed the injunction unsuccessfully.
Epic Games' Position
Epic Games, having won the jury trial, sees the settlement as a resolution that aligns with the spirit of the injunction and the open platform vision for Android.
Service Fees
Google's Position
Google will implement capped service fees of 9% or 20% on transactions in Play-distributed apps that use alternative payment options, applicable to apps installed or updated after October 30.
Epic Games' Position
The settlement aims to lower fees by allowing alternative payment methods with capped service fees, contributing to greater competition and choice.
- Legal Dispute Duration
- 5 years (since 2020)
- Parties Involved
- Google (Alphabet) and Epic Games
- Core Issue
- Antitrust lawsuit over Google's alleged monopolization of app access and in-app purchases on Android.
- Proposed Reforms
- Allowing third-party app stores, directing users to alternative payment methods, and capping service fees.
- Proposed Service Fees
- 9% or 20% for transactions using alternative payment options (for apps installed/updated after Oct 30).
- Key Decision Maker
- US District Judge James Donato
- Next Step
- Court hearing scheduled for Thursday.
