payment methods Archives

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

Google and Epic propose Android settlement modifying antitrust injunction

On November 4, 2025, Google and Epic Games filed a joint motion with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to modify a permanent injunction from Epic's antitrust litigation against Google. The modified injunction retains prohibitions on Google's revenue-sharing practices and mandates that app developers are not required to launch exclusively on the Google Play Store. It introduces a "Registered App Store" system for third-party app stores, allowing users to install these through a streamlined process. The settlement extends globally, promoting competition across all Android markets. Developers are granted rights to offer alternative in-app payment methods and can present various payment options side-by-side. The modified injunction caps service fees that Google can charge on transactions in Play-distributed apps using alternative payment methods, extending through 2032. A Technical Committee will oversee disputes related to the new terms. The settlement's effectiveness depends on court acceptance and coordination with a separate settlement between Google and state attorneys general. The settlement is part of ongoing antitrust scrutiny facing Google. Following court approval, Google will have eight months to implement the necessary technology for the registered app store program.

BetaBeacon

November 7, 2025

Nintendo’s new Store app lets you buy games and browse products

The Nintendo Store app offers a product storefront along with news hub, purchase history, play activity, wish list, and various news categories.

BetaBeacon

November 7, 2025

Google vs Epic Games: New rules for Android developers inbound

The proposed changes address Android app distribution and in-app payment services. Qualified third-party app stores will have a streamlined installation flow, and developers will be able to offer alternative in-app payment methods. Google will retain oversight mechanisms and charge reasonable fees for the review process. The new rules specify maximum fees that Google can charge for alternative transactions. This settlement provides developers with a clearer and longer-term roadmap for the Android platform.

AppWizard

November 6, 2025

Productivity and Workflow Apps Target for Android Malware and IoT Attacks: Study

- There has been a 67% year-over-year increase in malware aimed at mobile devices. - A 387% rise in IoT and OT attacks has been observed, particularly in the energy sector. - Researchers identified 239 malicious applications on the Google Play Store, which collectively had 42 million downloads. - A significant amount of malware was found in the "Tools" category, where malicious apps disguised themselves as legitimate productivity tools. - The manufacturing sector is a primary target for mobile and IoT attacks, with manufacturing and transportation industries accounting for 20.2% of all observed IoT malware attacks. - Mobile attacks are primarily concentrated in India, the United States, and Canada, with the U.S. being the epicenter for IoT threats, accounting for 54% of incidents. - India leads in mobile attacks at 26%, followed by the U.S. at 15% and Canada at 14%, with India experiencing a 38% increase in mobile threat attacks compared to the previous year. - There is a shift from card-focused fraud schemes to mobile payment methods among threat actors.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Google’s settlement with Epic Games may lead to changes for Android devs

Google settled a lawsuit with Epic Games regarding antitrust violations related to the Google Play Store. As part of the settlement, Google proposed changes to the Play Store, including allowing Android developers to offer alternative payment methods and introducing capped service fees on transactions. The changes aim to provide developers with more choices, reduce fees, promote healthy competition, and maintain user safety. The settlement proposal is pending approval from US District Judge James Donato.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Google and Epic Games reach a settlement to end 5 year legal battle over Android Play Store

Developers will be allowed to offer alternative payment methods, bypassing Google Play Billing in certain cases.

AppWizard

November 6, 2025

Google’s proposed Android changes won’t save sideloading

Google and Epic Games reached a settlement regarding the lawsuit Epic initiated in 2020, challenging Google's dominance in Android app distribution. The settlement includes changes in the upcoming Android 17 release, such as introducing "Registered App Stores," which are certified third-party app stores that users can install easily. The installation process will be simplified with a "single store install screen" and reduced user intervention for app installations. Google will also allow developers to use alternative payment options for in-app transactions, moving away from the exclusive use of Google Play Billing. Service fees on alternative payment methods may range from up to 20% to 9%. Google has committed to not discouraging OEMs or developers from collaborating with third-party app stores and will not restrict their pre-installation or home screen placement for three years following the agreement.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Google Agrees to Make Major Play Store Changes to Settle Epic Games Antitrust Lawsuit

Google has proposed changes to its Play Store and Android in order to settle an antitrust dispute with Epic Games. The changes include allowing alternative payment methods for app developers, supporting Registered App Stores like Epic Games, and implementing new fee structures for transactions. The settlement could impact the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, as Google's case is not directly applicable to Apple's situation.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Google, Epic Games Reach US Court Settlement on Android and App Store Reforms

Google has settled a lawsuit with Epic Games, which accused Google of maintaining a monopoly in app distribution and in-app payments through the Play Store. The settlement includes reforms allowing users to download third-party app stores and developers to offer alternative payment methods within their apps, with Google charging a capped service fee of 9 to 20%. This agreement is expected to have far-reaching effects on the mobile app market and may lead to changes in the business models of both Google's Play Store and Apple's iOS.

BetaBeacon

November 5, 2025

Epic Games praises Google’s Android antitrust settlement boosting app store competition | Ukraine news

Google and Epic Games have reached an antitrust settlement in the Fortnite case, with Google agreeing to reforms in the Android Store including lower commissions and increased competition. The settlement allows Android app developers to inform users about alternative payment methods and limits the commission Google can charge to either 9% or 20%. The focus is on expanding developers' choice and flexibility, reducing fees, and promoting competition while prioritizing user safety. Epic Games had also filed a lawsuit against Google and Apple for alleged anti-competitive behavior, with Apple recently reporting record profits from its services business. Following the settlement, the Epic Games Store for Android will be available on the Google Play Store, potentially reshaping the mobile market and gaming ecosystem.