After more than 5 years of legal wrangling, it appears that the dispute between Google and Epic Games may be nearing an end. The two companies have submitted a proposed settlement to a US court that could significantly change the rules for app distribution and payment processing on Android.
According to the joint proposal, Google enable more flexibility for developers in how they distribute apps outside the Play Store and how they process payments — whether through their own systems or external links. In addition, reduce maxminimum fee amount for transactions: either 9% or 20%, depending on the type of purchase.
Epic Games boss Tim Sweeney the proposal was marked as "great and comprehensive" and emphasized that it fits Android's original mission as open platformsThe new rules, he said, could make it easier to set up alternative stores and encourage greater competition not only in the US but also globally.
Google representative Sameer samat He said the deal would bring more choice for developers, lower fees, and maintain user safety. The proposal now awaits approval from Judge James Donato, who ruled in favor of Epic Games in a similar case in 2023.
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If approved, the agreement will conclude one of the most significant antitrust cases in the tech world. The controversy began in 2020 when Google removed Fortnite from the Play Store for circumventing the payment system. It culminated in October this year, when Google was forced by a court order to open up its Shop to developers, first in the US. And soon the rest of the world will apparently see it too.
