In a landmark ruling, a US judge has ordered tech giant Google to open up its Android operating system to alternative app stores, potentially shaking up the mobile app market. The decision comes as a result of Epic Games’ antitrust lawsuit against Google, which alleged that the company engaged in anti-competitive practices to maintain its dominance over the app ecosystem.
Starting in November, Google will be prohibited from paying fees or sharing revenue with companies in exchange for exclusivity agreements that prevent them from developing competing app stores. This move could lead to a more level playing field for app developers, who currently have to fork over between 15% and 30% of their sales to Google and Apple’s app stores.
The ruling may also give consumers more options for downloading apps, as Android users will be able to sideload apps from the web without being deterred by security warnings. According to Sensor Tower, consumers spent a staggering $124 billion on apps in 2023, making this a significant market shift.
Epic Games, the maker of popular titles like Fortnite, will work with Google to establish a three-person committee to oversee technical issues related to the company’s compliance with the new rules. While Epic Games largely lost its similar lawsuit against Apple, it prevailed in its case against Google, which was decided by a jury.
Google has announced plans to appeal the decision and request a pause on the pending changes. The company’s stock took a hit on the news, dropping over 2% on Monday. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the mobile app industry, and it will be closely watched by developers, consumers, and investors alike.
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