What the proposed settlement includes
After Google lost the antitrust case, Judge James Donato issued an injunction that forced Google to make big changes to the Play Store. However, those changes were limited to the US and were set to last for only three years. This new settlement, which both companies are asking Judge Donato to approve, takes that original order and supercharges it.
Here are the key changes:
- Global Scope and a Longer Term: Unlike the original order, which was limited to the US and lasted for three years, this new agreement would apply worldwide and remain in effect for six and a half years, through June 2032.
- New Developer Fee Caps: The settlement establishes a new service fee model for developers who bypass Google Play Billing. Fees would be capped at 9% or 20%, depending on the type of transaction (e.g., in-game advantages vs. app subscriptions).
Streamlining third-party app stores
One of the most significant wins for users and competing stores is how this settlement addresses installation “friction.” Epic has long argued that Google uses intimidating “scare screens” to dissuade users from sideloading apps or installing third-party stores.
According to the proposal, starting with the next major Android release, Google will create a new, streamlined process. Users will be able to install a “Registered App Store” from a website “by clicking on a single store install screen using neutral language.” This is a massive user experience improvement that will finally allow stores like the Epic Games Store to compete on a more level playing field.
What happens next
The settlement will be presented to Judge Donato this week. If he approves the modified terms, it would resolve one of the most significant legal challenges Google’s Android business has ever faced.
It’s also worth noting that this move from Google serves as a strategic contrast to Apple, who continue to fight against opening their iOS ecosystem. By agreeing to this new settlement, Google is proactively and globally embracing a more open model.
Overall, I think this is a win for developer choice and, ultimately, for users. If approved by the judge, this could have positive ripples that change the app store economy across the entire tech industry.
