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Microsoft backs court injunction against Google
AppWizard
January 26, 2026

Microsoft backs court injunction against Google

Microsoft has filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging a federal court to maintain an injunction against Google, which requires the company to dismantle its alleged monopoly in the Android apps market, particularly regarding payment practices. This injunction stems from Epic Games' lawsuit against Google, initiated in 2020. On January 16, Microsoft submitted its brief ahead of a court hearing where Google and Epic are seeking modifications to a permanent injunction issued in October 2024. The proposed changes could allow Google to impose fees between 9% and 20% on app developers, which Microsoft argues would undermine the original intent of the injunction. A recent settlement between Google and Epic includes a partnership valued at 0 million over six years, but details remain confidential. Judge Donato is reviewing the settlement and has requested briefings from the FTC and appointed an expert witness for evaluation. Epic Games has also announced that its games app is now available on Google Play worldwide.
'Fortnite' maker Epic Games, Google say they're settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store
BetaBeacon
November 11, 2025

‘Fortnite’ maker Epic Games, Google say they’re settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store

Epic Games has reached a settlement with Google regarding their legal dispute over the Google Play Store for Android apps. The settlement aims to make Android a more competitive platform by allowing third-party app stores to be distributed through Google's app store. The settlement also includes Google limiting payment processing commissions to between 9% and 20%.
Epic Games and Google say they're settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store
BetaBeacon
November 6, 2025

Epic Games and Google say they’re settling 5-year legal fight over Android app store

Epic Games and Google have reached a settlement in their 5-year legal battle over Google's Play Store for Android apps. The settlement aims to enhance the Android platform for users and developers, following a federal appeals court's criticism of Google's app store as an illegal monopoly. The specific terms of the settlement remain confidential pending approval by U.S. District Judge James Donato, but it includes provisions to foster competition, such as allowing the distribution of rival third-party app stores on the platform. Google will now limit payments for in-app transactions to a range of 9% to 20%.
Epic Games CEO Praises Google Android Antitrust Deal
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.
Google settlement with Epic caps Play Store fees, boosts other Android app stores
AppWizard
November 5, 2025

Google settlement with Epic caps Play Store fees, boosts other Android app stores

Google will integrate a new system in the upcoming version of Android that allows third-party app stores to be recognized as legitimate sources for applications. These "Registered App Stores" will enable users to install apps directly from websites with a single click, streamlining the process and avoiding traditional sideloading warnings. The implementation will be global, not limited to the U.S., and is expected to provide a user-friendly experience similar to the Google Play Store. Google will set "reasonable requirements" for the certification of these app stores, which may include review processes and fees not tied to revenue generation. The changes aim to benefit third-party app stores, reduce fees for developers, and expedite the app installation process. The settlement is expected to be presented for approval soon, with potential operational changes by the end of this year and a rollout coinciding with Android 17 in June next year. Early glimpses of the new system may be available in Google's Android Canary and Beta releases as early as 2026.
Epic vs Google ends: Fortnite-maker and Google settle five-year long court battle with lower fees, and opening Android to rival app stores - The Times of India
AppWizard
November 5, 2025

Epic vs Google ends: Fortnite-maker and Google settle five-year long court battle with lower fees, and opening Android to rival app stores – The Times of India

Google and Epic Games have settled their antitrust dispute, leading to changes in the Android app ecosystem, including lower fees and improved access to rival app stores until 2032. Google will reduce service fees to 20% for in-app purchases that provide gameplay advantages and 9% for those that do not, allowing developers to direct customers to alternative payment systems without incurring fees. Additionally, Android will enable users to install competing app stores with a simple prompt, addressing barriers that previously hindered such installations. The settlement is pending review by US District Judge James Donato.
Google Appeals to Supreme Court in Clash Over Android App Billing
AppWizard
September 26, 2025

Google Appeals to Supreme Court in Clash Over Android App Billing

Google has filed an emergency appeal with the United States Supreme Court to postpone a lower court order requiring changes to its Play Store policies, which are set to take effect on October 22, 2025. This legal action is part of an ongoing conflict with Epic Games, which has accused Google of maintaining an unlawful monopoly over app distribution and payment systems on Android devices. In July 2025, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a jury verdict stating that Google restricted competition by forcing developers to use its Play Store and in-app billing system. Google expressed concerns that the lower court's ruling could disrupt the Android ecosystem and jeopardize user security. The case is occurring amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of Google's business practices, including a separate trial in Virginia over allegations of monopolizing online advertising technology.
Google class action trial ends with $425M verdict for cellphone users over app data tracking
AppWizard
September 17, 2025

Google class action trial ends with $425M verdict for cellphone users over app data tracking

A California federal jury ordered Google to pay over million in damages for unlawfully collecting data from 98 million cellphone users who opted out of tracking their app activity. The jury found Google liable for invasion of privacy and intrusion upon seclusion, awarding ,651,947 in compensatory damages. However, the jury ruled that the plaintiffs did not prove entitlement to disgorgement of Google’s profits and that Google had not breached California’s Computer Data Access and Fraud Act. The plaintiffs failed to demonstrate that Google acted with malice, oppression, or fraud, which would have warranted punitive damages. The lawsuit, initiated in 2020, is titled Rodriguez, et al. v. Google LLC, et al., case number 3:20-cv-04688, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
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