The long-running dispute between Google and Epic Games is nearing its end with a proposed agreement that rewrites the rules of Android and the Play StoreIf the judge approves it, the ecosystem will open up to third-party stores and open-source alternatives to Google appsRates will decrease and developers will be able to offer alternative payment methods without the usual constraints.
The document submitted by both companies replaces the original court order with conditions agreed upon with valid until June 30, 2032In addition to limiting commissions, it recognizes the right to implement its own payment systems and allow different prices when the user chooses an alternative payment option.
A lawsuit that changed course
The dispute began in 2020, when Fortnite was removed from the stores for introducing its own payment system, and in 2023 a jury concluded that The Play Store exercised an illegal monopolyBased on that verdict, Judge James Donato imposed a tough order in 2024: to open Android to third-party stores, allow links to external payments, and decouple billing from Google Play Billing.
Google achieved a temporary suspension On October 18, 2024, while appealing, but after losing all appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final request. With time running out and the deadline reactivated to begin implementing changes (October 22), Mountain View chose to negotiate an alternative framework with Epic that is now left to the judge's decision.
What changes in fees and payments?
The agreement introduces a more flexible scheme of fees and charges and, above all, lower than current, in addition to new billing options for apps.
- 20% cap for in-app purchases that grant advantages in games (e.g., loot boxes or upgrades).
- 9% cap for the rest of the transactions that do not confer an advantage.
- Developers will be able display and use your own payment gateways along with Play Billing, including links to the website.
- Allowed show different prices if the user chooses the alternative payment method.
- Google will maintain its “service fee” (9% or 20% as the case may be) even when the collection is processed outside of Play Billing; the savings come from the billing part, not from the service part.
Registered app stores and real competition
The document will shed light on the calls “registered app stores”Third-party platforms that can be easily installed on Android under agreed-upon security and functionality requirements. The idea is for these stores to compete. globally between each other and with Google Play by users and developers.
- The changes to Android would be rolled out widely, with effects that transcend the United States even though the original order was national.
- The framework has a horizon until 2032, a period in which Google will not be able to provide financial incentives for three years to manufacturers or operators to pre-install (or relegate) rival stores.
- The new environment reduces friction for initiatives like the Epic store with Telefónica can operate without special agreements or additional obstacles.
Google and Epic's positions, and what lies ahead
Sameer Samat, head of the Android ecosystem, argued that the changes aim to “expand options, lower commissions and encourage competition” without sacrificing user security. Epic, for its part, has praised the text as a “comprehensive” solution that It reinforces the vision of Android as an open platform. to install competing stores and enable third-party payments.
The proposal is not final: It must be approved by the judgeA hearing is scheduled to discuss the plan, and barring any last-minute changes, everything indicates that the final agreement will be very close to what was presented by the parties.
Impact in Spain and Europe
For the European and Spanish markets, where Android has a large share and there is a very active ecosystem of operators and manufacturers, the opening of the system promises more distribution channels and lower barriers for local studios and developers. The integration of “registered stores” and the real possibility of alternative payments This could translate into more competitive prices and higher margins for app publishers, and into alternatives such as Google Files replacements.
Furthermore, agreements like the one Epic proposed with Telefónica They would gain traction in an environment with less technical and commercial friction. Although Google will continue to charge its service fee, the model opens the door to... users compare catwalks and shops, something that could boost competition in Europe without complicated intermediate steps.
If the court gives the green light, Android will get on track with the transition to a scheme less restrictive and more plural: capped commissions, alternative payment options on demand, registered stores with free rein, and a generous timeframe until 2032 for developers, manufacturers, and operators to adapt smoothly.
