app store policies Archives

BetaBeacon

January 26, 2026

Epic Games $800 Million Deal with Google

- Epic Games and Google have entered into a six-year, 0 million partnership involving joint product development, marketing, and technical collaboration. - The partnership includes closer integration of Unreal Engine, which powers Fortnite and many third-party games. - The judge raised concerns about how the partnership might affect Epic's legal demands in the antitrust lawsuit against Google. - Google has proposed changes to Android monetization, including new fee structures for in-app billing and web payments. - The outcome of the case could shape how monetization works across mobile platforms for years to come.

BetaBeacon

December 15, 2025

Fortnite Returns to the Google Play Store in the United States

Fortnite has officially returned to the Google Play Store in the United States after being absent for more than five years. This change eliminates the need for Android users to sideload the game and comes as a result of legal battles between Epic Games and Google over app store policies and in-app billing rules. The return of Fortnite to the Play Store is a result of a settlement that required Google to adjust its policies to allow for greater competition and alternative payment methods. This victory for Epic highlights their argument against Google's alleged monopoly over app distribution and billing on Android.

BetaBeacon

December 13, 2025

Fortnite Android and Google Play Availability

Fortnite has returned to the Google Play Store in the U.S., simplifying access for Android users.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Google’s Android Identity Check: Fortifying Apps Against Malware in 2026

Google has introduced a developer verification program that will require all app creators to undergo identity checks by 2026 to combat malware and scams in the Android ecosystem. Developers must register through the Android Developer Console or Play Console, submitting government-issued identification and possibly paying a registration fee. The program will feature both free and paid tiers, with a focus on enhancing security while maintaining Android's open nature. Only applications from verified developers will be allowed on certified Android devices by 2026, starting in high-risk markets. The initiative aims to reduce malicious applications while ensuring that verified developers' identities are not publicly listed. Concerns have been raised about potential overreach and barriers for smaller developers, but supporters view it as a positive step toward improved security.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Valve is welcoming Android games into Steam

The Steam Frame is a new device from Valve that represents its entry into mobile gaming, functioning similarly to a wireless VR headset or a Steam Deck. It features an Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chip and aims to integrate Android applications into its ecosystem. Valve is encouraging developers to adapt their Android applications for the Steam Frame, launching a developer kit program to facilitate this. The device is expected to run code natively on the Arm processor, enhancing performance. While Valve's primary focus is on gaming, there is potential for broader software integration, including tools like Discord and Blender. Plans for rich browser integration are also in development. Users will have the option to sideload Android APKs, and Valve may adapt SteamOS for various Arm-based devices in the future.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Epic and Google agree to settle their lawsuit and change Android’s fate globally

Google and Epic Games have settled their lawsuit over app store policies. The settlement includes changes to Google's app store fees and allows third-party app stores to be featured in the Google Play Store. Google has agreed to reduce its fees and allow alternative app stores to register with them until June 2032. This settlement could impact the app store ecosystem by providing more choice for developers and promoting competition. The new fee structure is tailored to the needs of developers, especially game developers like Epic Games. This settlement could set a precedent for other major app store platforms to reconsider their fee structures and policies.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Epic Games and Google Settle 5-Year Legal Dispute Over Android App Store Policies

Google and Epic Games have reached an agreement on app store fees, which would replace the court's previous injunction. Google can charge a 9 percent fee for non-gameplay items and a 20 percent fee for mixed bundles. Epic Games will be able to create an Epic Games Store on Android with minimal fees to Google. This agreement aims to make Android a more competitive platform for users and developers.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Fortnite Maker Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Praises Google’s ‘Awesome Proposal’ To Open Up Android And Resolve App Store Fight – Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Google has proposed to open up Android in the U.S. in response to ongoing legal battles with Epic Games and other companies over its app store policies. If approved by the court, the proposal would simplify the global installation of competing app stores, lower developer service fees on Google Play, and allow third-party in-app and web-based payment options.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Fortnite Maker Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Praises Google’s ‘Awesome Proposal’ To Open Up Android And Resolve App Store Fight

Google is proposing changes to its app store policies amid legal battles with Epic Games and other companies. Apple is also facing legal challenges over its app store fees, including accusations of abusing its dominant position. Google's parent company, Alphabet, has experienced a significant stock rally with shares rising nearly 5% in October.

BetaBeacon

November 5, 2025

Epic Games CEO Praises Google Android Antitrust Deal

- The proposed Android antitrust settlement would allow developers to direct users to alternative payment methods with capped service fees of either 9% or 20%, a departure from the current 30% rate. - Epic Games is celebrating the deal as it addresses concerns about inflated prices for consumers and stifled competition. - The settlement aims to formalize "user choice billing" and anti-steering relief at platform scale. - Apple has pushed back against similar policies, arguing they are necessary for security and privacy. - The settlement could benefit developers with lower service fees and allow for more transparent pricing for consumers. - The changes come after a jury verdict found Google's app store practices anticompetitive, and Google hopes to end a contentious chapter while preserving the reach of Android.