Epic Games has initiated legal proceedings against both Samsung and Google, challenging the recently introduced Auto Blocker feature in Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1. This feature, which comes pre-enabled on devices such as the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6, restricts app sideloading, allowing installations only from the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store.
Legal Challenges Over App Distribution
The lawsuit alleges that the Auto Blocker was deliberately designed in collaboration with Google to stifle competition in app distribution on Samsung devices. Epic claims this move is a strategic attempt to undermine ongoing legal disputes regarding app sideloading, particularly those involving Google.
Initially introduced as an optional feature in One UI 6.0, the Auto Blocker has now become a default setting in the latest update. It effectively prevents users from installing apps from any source deemed “unauthorized,” which includes all app stores outside of the two mentioned. Epic’s complaint highlights the cumbersome nature of sideloading apps under these new restrictions, suggesting that the process has become excessively complicated—reportedly requiring up to 21 steps to complete.
While disabling the Auto Blocker is relatively straightforward, taking only four to seven steps, the lack of clear guidance for users on how to do so raises concerns. Many users may find themselves unaware that their ability to install external apps is being hindered, leading to frustration and confusion.
Epic’s legal team argues that the Auto Blocker’s safety claims are misleading, asserting that it does not perform any genuine security assessments of the apps or sources it blocks. During a recent roundtable discussion, Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, acknowledged the absence of concrete evidence linking Google and Samsung in this alleged collusion, yet emphasized that the lawsuit aims to protect the interests of all app developers, not just Epic.
In a bid to resolve the situation amicably, Sweeney had previously approached Samsung, proposing either to disable the Auto Blocker by default or to implement a transparent whitelisting process for legitimate applications. However, after failing to reach an agreement, Epic opted for legal action.
The outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain, and given the complexities involved, an appeal is likely regardless of the initial ruling. As the legal landscape evolves, the implications of this case could significantly impact the future of app distribution on Android devices.
