AppWizard
October 8, 2024
A US judge has ruled that Google must allow third-party app stores and alternative in-app payment methods on Android devices, effective November 1, 2024. This decision requires Google to end its exclusive control over app distribution and prohibits it from blocking third-party app stores or charging preinstallation fees to device manufacturers. Following this ruling, Alphabet's shares fell by 2.5%, indicating concerns over potential revenue losses, as Google's Play Store has historically generated significant income through fees on app developers. Epic Games plans to launch its own app store by 2025, which could change the competitive landscape. Google intends to appeal the ruling and has warned about possible negative impacts on consumer privacy and security. The ruling may lead to significant changes in the Android app market, allowing for more flexibility in app downloads and in-app purchases, but also raises concerns about privacy and user experience consistency.
