payment structure

Epic Games has won a legal battle against Google, resulting in a U.S. judge ruling that the Google Play Store is an illegal monopoly. This ruling requires Google to allow Android users to download competing app stores and enables third-party app stores to distribute apps typically found on Google Play. Google can no longer mandate the use of its Google Pay Billing system for transactions, allowing developers to use alternative payment options. Developers can also link to alternative installation methods within their apps. Additionally, Google is prohibited from incentivizing carriers and manufacturers to preinstall the Play Store or rewarding developers for exclusivity. These changes must be implemented within three years, starting November 1, 2024. Google plans to appeal the decision, citing concerns over consumer privacy and security. Epic Games has also filed another lawsuit against Google and Samsung, alleging collusion to obstruct sideloading on Galaxy devices, although there is no evidence to support this claim.