Google and Epic Games withdraw their attempt to modify and settle their ongoing U.S. antitrust dispute, and the result is that third-party Android app stores will be distributed inside Google Play. Multiple outlets report that Google has confirmed it will begin distributing rival app stores next week after the settlement request is withdrawn. Ars Technica and other coverage state that, with the settlement gone, Google is now subject to the full antitrust remedies ordered by the court.
Under the court’s original injunction as described in the reporting, approved third-party stores gain access to Google Play’s full app catalog by default, with developers given an option to opt out of distribution in those stores. Google also sets security and compliance requirements for participating storefronts, including blocking malware, respecting intellectual property, and providing mechanisms to update and uninstall apps. Coverage also reports a cost structure for review: Google may charge a fee of about $5,000 per year for security and compliance review. If more than 1% of attempted installs are judged malware or unwanted software, a store can be removed. The outlets note that details may remain in flux, including whether storefront features vary by region or compared with “registered” app store rules under the broader settlement framework.
