- Starting November 1st, 2024, Google cannot block rival app stores’ preinstallation through deals with carriers or manufacturers
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Search giant Google has secured itself a temporary stay in Epic Games‘ legal battle over Android App Store rules.
According to The Verge, Judge James Donato has halted Google’s November 1st deadline before appealing its verdict at a later date.
However, Judge Donato didn’t hit pause on all aspects of his ruling, as per court documents. Starting November 1st, 2024, Google cannot block rival app stores’ preinstallation through deals with carriers or manufacturers.
The original ruling also would have allowed developers to stop using Google Play Billing and restricted Google from offering developers financial incentives, requiring Google to support third-party app stores in its Play Store.
Epic condemns Google’s appeal
“We’re pleased with the District Court’s decision to temporarily pause the implementation of dangerous remedies demanded by Epic, as the Court of Appeal considers our request to further pause the remedies while we appeal,” Google said to The Verge.
“These remedies threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience and we look forward to continuing to make our case to protect 100 million U.S. Android users, over 500,000 U.S. developers and thousands of partners who have benefited from our platforms.”
Epic also made a statement saying: “Today the Court made it clear that Google’s appeal is meritless and rejected their request to delay opening up Android devices to competition while the appeal is ongoing.”
The Fortnite creator said that Google is using “fearmongering” and “unsubstantiated security threats” to maintain control over Android devices and continue charging high fees.
