Google has just three weeks to begin rolling out sweeping changes to Android and the Play Store, after a U.S. court sided again with Epic Games — leaving Google no option but to comply, even as it continues efforts to appeal.
The legal battle began in 2020 and reached a key verdict in late 2024, when a jury ruled that Google maintained an illegal monopoly over Android app distribution. Google appealed — and lost again this week. As a result, the tech giant must begin dismantling several long-standing policies by August 8.
So, What’s Changing?
According to the court’s injunction (as reported by The Verge), Google must now:
- Stop bundling deals: It can no longer pay Android phone makers or partners to preinstall the Play Store or place it in a certain location.
- No exclusive deals: Google cannot offer financial perks to app developers or OEMs in exchange for Play Store exclusivity or delayed third-party launches.
- Open up in-app payments: Developers must be allowed to offer payment methods outside of Google Play Billing and inform users about them freely.
- Allow off-Play Store links: Developers can now promote and link to their apps or pricing outside the Play Store — something previously blocked.
- Resolve disputes with Epic: Google must collaborate with Epic Games to iron out implementation details, overseen by a new court-appointed technical committee.
These changes are set to stay in place for at least three years, through November 2027.
Third-Party App Stores Are Coming — But Not Yet
Epic’s Tim Sweeney confirmed the Epic Games Store is coming to Android. But don’t expect it immediately — Google doesn’t have to allow full-fledged alternative app stores in the Play Store until 2026.
Still, the upcoming changes are significant. Android will soon offer more flexibility for developers and reduce Google’s grip on app distribution, billing, and monetization.
Expect these updates to collide with the launch of Google’s Pixel 10, likely arriving as the new rules go live in August.