Epic Games and Google agreed to settle their antitrust lawsuit on Tuesday evening, averting a potential Supreme Court decision. The settlement expands prior U.S.-only court orders into global changes to Android’s app ecosystem, allowing third-party app stores broader access and reducing fees through 2032.
The lawsuit, known as Epic v. Google, stemmed from Epic’s challenge to Google’s control over Android app distribution and payments. A jury had previously determined that Google illegally tied its Google Play Store to its Google Play Billing system. In response, U.S. District Judge James Donato issued a permanent injunction in 2023. This required Google to integrate rival app stores directly within the Google Play Store interface. Rival stores gained access to the entire Google Play catalog of apps, aiming to restore competition in the Android marketplace.
Exciting news! Together with Epic Games we have filed a proposed set of changes to Android and Google Play that focus on expanding developer choice and flexibility, lowering fees, and encouraging more competition all while keeping users safe. If approved, this would resolve our…
— Sameer Samat (@ssamat) November 5, 2025
The injunction further prohibited Google from mandating that developers use Google Play Billing for in-app purchases and subscriptions. Developers could thus offer alternative payment options without facing Google’s requirements. These measures applied exclusively within the United States and remained in effect for three years from the ruling date. They did not alter Google’s fee structure, which typically charged 30 percent on most transactions.
Under the new settlement, Google commits to lowering its standard service fee. The fee drops to 20 percent for the first year of a subscription or for transactions exceeding one million in the prior year. For other transactions, it reduces to 9 percent. This adjustment applies to payments processed through Google Play Billing worldwide.
Google will introduce a new program with the upcoming Android operating system release. Alternative app stores can register through this program with Google. Upon registration, these stores become integrated options that users can install directly from the Google Play Store. This setup positions registered stores as primary choices alongside Google Play, enhancing their visibility and ease of adoption for Android users globally.
The settlement extends the registered app store provisions and reduced fees beyond the U.S. borders. These changes take effect internationally and last until June 2032, spanning six and a half years. Judge Donato must approve the agreement to finalize these terms, potentially solidifying Epic’s legal gains on a worldwide scale.
