Epic Games and Google have jointly pulled back their bid to revise the court order reshaping Android app distribution in the United States. The move leaves Judge James Donato’s permanent injunction intact, meaning Google will have to allow rival app stores to be distributed through Google Play. Google has told the court it is prepared to begin hosting third-party app stores on Wednesday, July 22nd — a development that could open the door for companies like Microsoft to bring an Xbox game store to Android.
Google had sought to replace parts of the injunction with its own “Registered App Stores” framework, under which users would sideload approved rival stores rather than download them directly from Google Play. Judge Donato appeared unconvinced that the proposal should supersede his original order. The two sides were expected to return to court on Thursday, July 16th, to argue the issue again, though that hearing may no longer be needed.
Google spokesperson Dan Jackson provided the company’s full statement on the decision to withdraw its proposed changes to Judge Donato’s permanent injunction:
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.”
Outside the United States, Google has already announced plans to roll out its sideloaded Registered App Store program, beginning with the next version of Android later this year. That could leave Android operating under two different models: app stores available inside Google Play in the US, and Registered App Stores in other markets.
What remains unclear is whether Google will create a formal program for third-party stores distributed through Google Play, or whether companies will submit those stores just like any other app. The injunction says Google “may not prohibit the distribution of third-party Android app distribution platforms or stores through the Google Play Store,” but it does not require Google to actively recruit or promote them.
Google will charge app stores a $5,000 annual fee for “security and policy reviews” if they want access to the Google Play catalog of apps. The company is also setting additional conditions: stores cannot distribute apps outside the US, must be open to all eligible third-party developers, must maintain “clear, non-discriminatory” trust and safety policies, and must keep malware to no more than 1 percent of “install attempts.”
