Federal Judge Orders Google to Rival Access on Google Play Store
A US judge rules that Google must allow third-party app stores to access its catalog and stop forcing developers to use its billing system. Google plans to appeal the decision, arguing it harms Android's ability to compete with Apple.
A federal judge issues a final ruling that forces Google to open its Google Play Store to rival app stores. Judge James Donato orders Google to let third-party app stores access its full app catalog and requires Google to carry third-party apps within its own store. These changes stem from the ongoing legal battle between Google and Epic Games.
The ruling prohibits Google from paying developers for exclusive app launches on Google Play for a three-year period starting November 1. Additionally, Google no longer forces developers to use its proprietary billing system and must allow them to inform users about alternative payment methods outside of the platform.
Google strongly opposes the court's decision and announces plans to file an appeal. The tech giant asks the courts to pause the mandated changes, arguing that these new requirements significantly undercut Android's ability to compete against Apple's iOS ecosystem.