Why are you starting to see third-party app stores on Google Play?

The Google Play Store has rules against developers promoting their apps outside the Android store or using payment methods other than Play Billing. But that's about to change. A long-running legal battle has finally come to an end, with a US court ruling that Google has an illegal monopoly on Android apps.

US court says Google holds illegal monopoly over app stores

The ruling follows a four-year legal battle between Epic and Google, which began when Epic accused Google of illegal practices in the Play Store after the company attempted to bring the popular video game Fortnite to Android devices, according to The Verge.

Epic's main issue with the Google Play Store is the 30% commission Google takes from each sale. Epic started selling Fortnite digital currency (called "V-bucks") through third-party in-app payment methods to combat this. This violated Google's terms, and Fortnite was eventually removed from the Play Store in retaliation, leading to the lawsuit.

Back in the present, Epic won its battle against Google after a US court ruled that Google had established an illegal monopoly. Between November 1, 2024 and November 1, 2027, Google must now comply with the following rules:

• Stop requiring Google Play Billing for apps distributed on the Google Play Store (jury found that Google illegally linked its billing system to the app store)
• Allows Android developers to inform users about alternative ways to pay in the Play Store
• Allows Android developers to link to ways to download their apps outside the Play Store
• Allow Android developers to set their own prices for apps regardless of Play Billing

The ruling also prevents Google from incentivizing developers to use the Play Store over others. For example, Google cannot offer developers money or benefits to launch their apps on the Play Store first, nor can it pay phone manufacturers to pre-install the Play Store app on their phones.

What does this change mean for Android users?

For now, you won't notice any difference with the Play Store. The new rules go into effect on November 1, so it's likely that Google will enforce its current rules to that end.

When November 1st rolls around, you’ll likely see a wave of changes across the Play Store. Not only will third-party Android app stores be allowed in, but your favorite apps may start offering you payment methods outside of Google Play. This will be a good change for consumers, so keep an eye on your apps as November 1st rolls around and see how they shake out.