Google and Epic Games Settle, Opening Android to Global Third-Party App Stores

Google and Epic Games have reached a global settlement that resolves a five-year antitrust dispute, allowing third-party app stores to register and operate on Android devices worldwide through June 2032. This agreement, which builds on Epic's earlier U.S. court victory, mandates that Google provide access to its full app catalog for registered stores, enabling users to easily download and install alternative marketplaces.

The new fee structure introduces tiered commissions: 20% for in-app purchases offering gameplay advantages like power-ups or in-game currencies, and 9% for other transactions such as subscriptions. If developers opt to use Google Play Billing, an additional 5% processing fee applies. This shift reduces Google's previous 30% commission and encourages integration of external payment systems, potentially benefiting providers like Stripe and Adyen.

The settlement awaits final approval from U.S. District Judge James Donato, with a hearing scheduled for November 6, 2025. If approved, it will enforce the new rules globally, promoting competition and innovation in app distribution. However, implementation details, such as how third-party stores will be discovered on devices and the impact on preinstallation agreements with manufacturers, remain uncertain.