The final sticking point in the long-running Google vs Epic Games lawsuit is coming to an end, as Google is opening the door to third-party app stores on Android starting on July 22.
Early on in the Epic Games lawsuit, one of the initial demands was for Google to not only better allow for third-party app stores on Android, but to house those app stores within the Play Store. Google has fought against that, but is now dropping the fight.
The Verge reports that Google has dropped its fight to change the court’s injunction, which would have removed this requirement to house third-party stores. In a statement to the court, Google says:
We’ve agreed with Epic to withdraw our motion to modify the US Court’s injunction rather than prolonging this process which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem. This allows us to focus on executing our recently announced global business model evolution to deliver greater app store choice, lower prices, and more opportunities for developers and users. We remain committed to maintaining Android’s industry-leading security and fostering a competitive ecosystem where every app store and developer has the freedom to compete. In parallel, we continue to comply with the US Court’s injunction.
