Google and Epic end their feud with a deal that changes how Android works

Epic Games and Google have reached a comprehensive settlement to resolve Epic's antitrust lawsuit. This agreement aims to revitalize Android as an open platform for app distribution. Google will reduce its app store fees, capping them between 9% and 20% depending on the transaction. Furthermore, Google will permit alternative app stores to be officially offered in the next major Android update. These proposed changes are set to be implemented globally and will remain in effect until 2032. The settlement comes after significant legal setbacks for Google, including a ruling that favored Epic's demands. Epic had initially filed lawsuits against both Google and Apple in 2020, alleging antitrust violations due to their app store policies. Last year, a judge ruled that Google Play operated as a monopoly, a decision an appeals court later upheld. Google views the settlement as a way to increase developer choice and competition while maintaining user safety. The companies have jointly filed the proposed resolution in a San Francisco federal court. Both Epic CEO Tim Sweeney and Google's Sameer Samat expressed positive views on the settlement's potential impact.