Epic Games convinced a federal jury that the Google Play store for Android applications is an illegal monopoly. The decision might have wide repercussions.
Apple won its court battle with the game-developer over the same issue, but Google’s loss could nevertheless eventually affect the iOS App Store.
Google vs Epic Games: Round one
Apple kicked Epic Games (maker of Fortnite) out of the App Store in 2020 after the game-developer added a direct payments system for in-app purchases to Fortnite, which was against App Store rules. The resulting court battle ended with Apple being forced to allow iPhone software developers to point customers to their own websites to make in-app purchases. But the judge also ruled that the App Store is not a monopoly.
Google also kicked the game out of its software store for the same reason, but didn’t come off nearly so well from its court fight with Epic. A jury decided on Monday that the Google Play app store breaks U.S. antitrust law by being a monopoly.
It will be up to the judge in the case what steps to take next. Google might be ordered to allow third-party software stores on Android phones. The judge might also order the company to lower commission fees it takes from app sales.
Google disagrees with the court’s decision, of course.
“The trial made clear that we compete fiercely with Apple and its App Store, as well as app stores on Android devices and gaming consoles,” said Wilson White, VP of government affairs and public policy at Google. “We will continue to defend the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem.”
Apple vs. Epic Games is far from over
Although Apple won the initial court battle with Epic Games, the war goes on. The developer is appealing, hoping to get a higher court to reverse the decision and have the App Store declared a monopoly.
Monday’s jury’s decision that Google Play is a monopoly could affect how the appeals court thinks about the App Store. If so, Apple might end up facing some of the same court orders that Google will be in 2024.
