Google Appeals Judge’s Ruling Mandating Competition in Android App Stores

2024-10-11

Today, Google has officially filed an appeal against the local court's ruling and jury verdict in the Epic versus Google case. Earlier this week, Judge James Donato issued a decision that will require Google to distribute third-party app stores on Google Play and abandon the mandate that Google Play apps must use its payment system, among other competitive changes.

Google has previously stated its intention to appeal the decision. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, mentioned in a blog post on Monday, “As we have previously stated, these changes will compromise consumer privacy and security, make it harder for developers to promote their apps, and reduce competition on devices.” “Ultimately, while these changes may meet Epic's demands, they will lead to a series of unforeseen consequences that harm the interests of American consumers, developers, and device manufacturers.”

Judge Donato's ruling this week mandates that Google begin implementing these changes by November 1, 2024, and continue to do so until November 1, 2027.

The ruling has already had a significant impact. Epic has announced plans to bring the Epic Games Store to Google Play in the United States by 2025, while Microsoft has stated that next month it will allow users to purchase and play games directly within its Xbox Android app.