Google Loses Appeal—Epic’s Play Store Win Shakes Up App Market

A US appeals court has denied Google’s latest attempt to put off significant changes to its Play Store, following a hard-fought victory by Epic Games in its antitrust battle. The ruling means Google must soon allow rival app stores and alternate ways to pay for apps on Android devices, making it easier for developers and users to bypass Google’s long-standing rules and fees. While Google maintains that these reforms could harm user privacy and security, the court didn’t buy it, stating that Google hadn’t met the bar for another delay.

This decision follows Epic’s 2023 court win against Google, in which a jury found that Google had used unfair tactics to dominate mobile app distribution. The changes will likely make it easier for consumers to get apps outside Play and for developers to avoid Google’s commissions, promising more competition and, potentially, lower prices. Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney called it a clear win for app makers and users everywhere. Google can still appeal to the Supreme Court, but for now, its grip on the Play Store is loosening.