Explained: What Epic Games’ big win over Google could mean for Play Store and Android

Google

Epic Games just scored a major legal victory and it could shake up the entire Android app ecosystem. The US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has sided with Epic, upholding a 2023 jury verdict that found Google maintains illegal monopolies in Android app distribution and in-app payments. Not only did the court affirm the original ruling, it also appears to be activating a previously paused permanent injunction that will force Google to make sweeping changes to its Play Store policies.

Here’s what it all means.

What is the Epic vs Google case about?

Back in 2020, Epic sued both Apple and Google after its blockbuster game Fortnite was kicked out of both app stores for bypassing their payment systems. The lawsuit wasn’t just about Fortnite — Epic deliberately challenged the dominance of these tech giants by sidestepping their billing rules and forcing a legal showdown.

While Epic mostly lost against Apple, it won against Google, and now that win has been cemented on appeal.

So what did the court decide?

The appeals court agreed with the jury’s finding that Google holds monopoly power in two key Android markets: app distribution and in-app billing

The appeals court rejected Google’s defence that it’s not a monopoly because it competes with Apple. The court said that just as McDonald’s competes with Chick-fil-A in fast food generally, it doesn’t mean they compete in the burger segment. In other words: Google can dominate Android, even if Apple exists.

What happens next?

Thanks to this ruling, the injunction blocking Google’s monopoly practices may now go into effect. That means, for at least three years, Google may have to:

•Let rival app stores (like Epic’s) be listed on the Play Store

•Stop forcing developers to use Google Play Billing

•Allow access to the entire Google Play app catalogue

•Avoid anti-competitive deals and lockouts

Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney called it a “total victory”, and says the Epic Games Store is now coming to Android — inside the Play Store itself.

Fortnite

Why does this matter?

If enforced, this ruling could transform how Android apps are distributed and monetised. For developers, it could mean lower fees and more freedom. For users, it might mean alternative app stores with different pricing and fewer restrictions.

For Google, though, it’s a serious blow. The Play Store is a huge revenue generator, and these changes could erode its control over Android.

Is this the final word?

Not quite. Google plans to appeal to the US Supreme Court, but in the meantime, the injunction could move forward — changing Android as we know it. Epic just cracked open Google’s walled garden, and the rest of the industry is watching closely.