Google vows to appeal ruling requiring it to permit rival Android app stores

Google announced on Monday that it plans to appeal a U.S. judge’s ruling requiring the company to provide alternatives to its Google Play store for downloading apps on Android devices. The tech giant criticized the decision, claiming it is based on flawed logic and could weaken Android’s competitive position against Apple’s iOS.

In a statement, Google confirmed, “We are appealing that underlying decision and we will ask the courts to pause Epic’s requested changes, pending that appeal.”

This response follows Judge James Donato’s final ruling in California on the antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games in 2020. The ruling includes a permanent injunction that prohibits Google from:

– Offering financial incentives for exclusive or priority app launches on Google Play
– Paying companies to discourage the development of rival app stores
– Compensating device manufacturers for pre-loading Google Play
– Mandating the use of its billing system or preventing developers from promoting lower-cost alternatives

Google argues that the ruling is based on a “flawed finding that Android is a market in itself,” asserting that Android and iOS are direct competitors for both consumers and app developers.

The company also highlighted that developers have always had multiple options for distributing their apps, including direct downloads from their websites.

“Android has helped expand choice, reduce prices, and democratize access to smartphones and apps. The initial decision and today’s requested changes put that at risk and undermine Android’s ability to compete with Apple’s iOS,” Google stated.

Following the announcement, Alphabet Inc Class A shares closed more than 2% lower.