After Epic ruling: Google opens Play Store in the US

Google has implemented changes to its Android ecosystem, which can be traced back to a court ruling from the end of 2023. Among other things, app providers and developers are no longer obliged to use Google's billing system; they can also link to apps outside the Play Store. In general, they will receive more flexibility in advertising offers and processing in-app payments.

Google reluctantly opens its Play Store

As Google writes in a support document, Google will no longer prohibit developers from communicating with users about the availability or, if applicable, cheaper prices of their apps outside the Play Store. Furthermore, the company will not prevent developers from providing a link to download the app or a link to pay outside the store.

Additionally, the company no longer requires the use of Google's Play Billing in apps offered in the Play Store, nor does Google prohibit the use of other in-app payment methods. Furthermore, the company no longer forbids app providers from communicating with users about the availability of payment methods other than Google's own. If developers use their payment methods, they will no longer have to pay commissions to Google in this case.

The changes will take effect in the US Play Store from October 29, 2025. However, they are initially only temporary and will only apply as long as the US District Court's order is in effect, i.e., until November 1, 2027.

Further adjustments to follow

In the document, Google further explains that “user trust and safety remain at the core of our actions” and that the company will continue to adhere to its security principles when implementing the injunction's orders.

In the “near future,” Google plans to announce further program requirements and changes to its business model “to maintain user trust and safety in the ecosystem, based on feedback from the developer and user community,” the company stated.

With further changes, Google likely means more complex adjustments that the manufacturer will still have to implement. According to the ruling, Google must open its Play Store to alternative stores; Android apps can also be available in alternative stores as long as developers do not actively opt out. The workaround of installing via APK files would thus no longer be necessary.

Meanwhile, the company is preparing for the looming loss of control over its ecosystem: Because starting in fall 2026, only apps whose publishers have previously registered with Google and then signed the respective application will be installable on certified Android devices. This has already been the case for installations via the Google Play Store since 2023; in the future, anonymity is to be abolished for sideloading, i.e., for programs and alternative app stores installed directly on the device without using the Play Store. The operator of the alternative app store F-Droid sharply criticizes this.

(afl)