Tech Desk 
Aug 02, 2025
The showdown between Epic Games and Google has long been over. Now, what lies ahead for Google is to abide by court's decision and make the entire range of changes, mandated by the court, to Play Store.
If you're eager to be treated to what's coming up on the world's biggest app marketplace, then we've got you covered.
You must be well aware that Epic recently achieved a significant victory in a legal battle with Google, as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a previous ruling in favour of Epic in the Epic v. Google lawsuit.
After that, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed plans to launch the Epic Games Store on Android.
The court held Google in violation of antitrust laws through its control over the Play Store, requiring it to bring substantial changes to its operations to ensure fair competition on its app marketplace for both developers and users.
What changes is Play Store getting?
After the court's decision, Google has been granted just 14 days to make required changes. As outlined in the ruling, the key remedies that Google must enact within two weeks have been listed below:
- Allowing app developers to utilise payment systems other than Google’s
- Enabling developers to inform users about alternative payment options
- Permitting developers to share links for downloading apps outside the Play Store
- Granting developers the freedom to set their own prices
- Ending payments to phone manufacturers, carriers, or developers for Play Store exclusivity or pre-installed apps
- Collaborating with Epic to address further issues and facilitating rival app stores on Android
While most changes have to be made urgently, Google has been given seven and a half months to allow rival app stores full access to its app catalogue.
