Google and Epic end their feud with a deal that changes how Android works

"It genuinely doubles down on Android's original vision as an open platform to streamline competing store installs globally, reduce service fees for developers on Google Play, and enable third-party in-app and web payments," Sweeney said. "This is a comprehensive solution, which stands in contrast to Apple's model of blocking all competing stores and leaving payments as the only vector for competition."

"In the settlement, Google agrees to cap app store fees at 9% to 20% depending on the transaction. Currently, Google takes a 15% cut of the first $1 million in developer revenue and 30% of anything above that threshold. Beyond lowering fees, Google also said it would allow alternate app stores to be offered officially in the next major Android update. All of the proposed changes would go into effect globally - not just in the U.S. - and remain in place through 2032."

Epic Games and Google proposed a comprehensive settlement resolving Epic's 2020 antitrust suit against Google. Google will cap app store fees between 9% and 20% depending on transaction type, replace the current 15%/30% revenue split, and permit alternate app stores to be offered officially in the next major Android update. The changes apply globally and extend through 2032. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney described the deal as strengthening Android's open-platform vision, enabling third-party in-app and web payments, and contrasting with Apple's closed approach. The settlement follows a judge's prior ruling favoring Epic and contemplated appeals to higher courts.

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