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Aptoide sues Google over alleged Android App Store monopoly
AppWizard
April 17, 2026

Aptoide sues Google over alleged Android App Store monopoly

Aptoide has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google in federal court in San Francisco, alleging that Google imposes unlawful restrictions that hinder competition in the Android app ecosystem. The lawsuit claims that Google maintains an "anticompetitive chokehold" on app distribution, which limits the growth of rival app stores. Aptoide seeks an injunction against these practices and unspecified triple damages. The company has over 436,000 apps and more than 200 million annual users, and it argues that Google directs developers to its own platform, Google Play, while restricting access to popular applications that could benefit alternative app stores. This lawsuit comes amid increased scrutiny of Google, which is facing multiple antitrust cases in the U.S. and has recently been deemed a monopoly in a 2024 ruling regarding its search engine.
Aptoide sues Google for Android app store monopoly
AppWizard
April 15, 2026

Aptoide sues Google for Android app store monopoly

Aptoide, a Portuguese app store company, has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google in a federal court in San Francisco, alleging that Google is monopolizing the distribution of Android applications and payment processing. Aptoide claims that Google's practices hinder its ability to compete, despite offering lower commissions and more affordable options. The lawsuit seeks court orders to stop these practices and demands triple damages. Aptoide previously won a legal case against Google in 2018 regarding the removal of its app without user consent and was involved in the European Commission's Android antitrust case that resulted in a €4.34 billion fine against Google. The lawsuit comes amid increased scrutiny of Google's business practices, including a December 2023 jury ruling that found Google maintained an illegal monopoly in Android app distribution and in-app billing. Following this ruling, a U.S. District Court ordered Google to implement reforms to enhance competition within the Android ecosystem. Additionally, a proposed settlement between Google and Epic Games aims to facilitate the installation of third-party app stores and allow alternative payment methods. In August 2024, a U.S. District Court identified Google as a monopolist in the general search market, citing exclusionary agreements that restrict competition. Aptoide's lawsuit reflects concerns among smaller competitors about Google's influence over Android app distribution despite ongoing legal challenges.
Rival Aptoide sues Google in U.S. over alleged Android app store monopoly
AppWizard
April 15, 2026

Rival Aptoide sues Google in U.S. over alleged Android app store monopoly

A Portuguese app store, Aptoide, has filed a lawsuit against Google in a U.S. federal court, alleging monopolistic practices that hinder competition in the Android ecosystem. Aptoide claims that Google controls app distribution and in-app billing systems, violating U.S. antitrust laws. The company argues that it could compete more effectively against Google's pricing and policies if not for what it describes as an "anticompetitive chokehold." Aptoide alleges it is directed away from exclusive content and is excluded from accessing critical services, which harms its business. The lawsuit seeks to stop these practices and demands unspecified triple damages. Aptoide has approximately 436,000 apps and serves over 200 million annual users. This lawsuit follows Aptoide's previous complaint against Google with EU regulators in 2014. The case adds to Google's ongoing antitrust issues, including a recent agreement to modify its practices following a legal battle with Epic Games and a separate ruling declaring Google's search engine an illegal monopoly.
Google, Epic Games Reach US Court Settlement on Android and App Store Reforms
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.
Epic Games praises Google’s Android antitrust settlement boosting app store competition | Ukraine news
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.
Google and Epic reach proposed settlement to open Android app store access
AppWizard
November 5, 2025

Google and Epic reach proposed settlement to open Android app store access

Google and Epic Games have submitted a proposed agreement to a US judge in response to Epic's 2020 antitrust lawsuit against Google regarding app distribution and in-app payments on Android. The proposal allows users to download and install third-party app stores that meet updated security standards, aiming to create a more competitive app marketplace. Developers will be able to direct users to alternative payment methods, with Google implementing a capped service fee structure of 9% or 20%. The settlement is pending judicial approval and could lead to expanded choices for developers, lower fees, and enhanced competition while prioritizing user safety.
LSE and Lancaster University create Victorian London on Minecraft
AppWizard
October 19, 2025

LSE and Lancaster University create Victorian London on Minecraft

Researchers from the London School of Economics (LSE) and Lancaster University have recreated Victorian London in Minecraft through a project called “Charles Booth’s London.” This project utilizes Charles Booth's Poverty Map, which color-codes streets based on income and social class. Players start in the modern LSE library and can explore six historical walks, engaging in quests that reflect daily life in 1886. A team of 15 builders and two academics created over 1,000 new blocks and textures based on 2,000 pages of notes by Booth's assistant, George Duckworth. The project took two years and includes over 45 million blocks and interactions with more than 200 characters, including Beatrice Webb.
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.
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