Google has confirmed it will begin distributing third-party app stores within the Google Play Store starting next week, following the withdrawal of the previously agreed-upon settlement with Epic Games. This development stems from an antitrust ruling that found Google guilty of anti-competitive practices regarding Android's software distribution ecosystem.
Background
The dispute originated in 2020 when Epic Games removed Fortnite from the Play Store to bypass Google's 30% fee, leading to a major antitrust lawsuit. A recent court ruling mandated structural changes to Google's distribution model to ensure fair competition.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jul 16, 2026 at 12:55 AM
- Score
- 9.0 / 10