Google Must Open Android to Third Party App Stores

Google Must Open Android to Third Party App Stores

Recently, Judge James Donato issued his final ruling in the Epic Games v. Google lawsuit. As per the ruling, Google must make notable changes to the Google Play Store to give third-party Android app stores more power.

Most significantly, Google now has to make alternative app stores available in Google Play. This means that we should soon see third-party stores such as the Epic Games Store in Google Play. Additionally, third-party app stores must now be allowed to distribute all the same apps that are available on Google Play in order to build competitive services.

Key Changes to the Google Play Store

Some of the key changes that Google will need to make to comply with the ruling include:

Implementation and Appeal

The injunction covers the United States and takes effect on November 1, 2024. Google has up to eight months to implement the technology and procedures necessary to comply with the provision. However, Google has announced that it will be appealing the judge’s final verdict, citing concerns about unintended consequences that may harm American consumers, developers, and device makers.