Google and Epic give up fighting — third-party Android app stores are coming next week

Epic Games and Google have withdrawn their attempt to settle a lawsuit, which will lead to changes in how Android app stores operate in the United States. As a result, Google will be required to carry rival app stores within its own Google Play store, with the company stating it is ready to begin doing so on July 22nd. This development may pave the way for other companies, such as Microsoft, to launch their own app stores on Android, potentially including an Xbox game store. The lawsuit's outcome stems from a ruling by Judge James Donato in October 2024, which found in favor of allowing rival app stores on Google Play.

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