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Google and Epic Ask Judge to Approve Deal Opening Android to Third‑Party Stores and Lower Play Fees

Judge James Donato must sign off before the proposed Play Store reforms can take effect.

Overview

  • In a joint filing, the companies proposed modifying the court’s injunction to create Registered App Stores with a streamlined, single‑screen install flow using neutral language.
  • The plan explicitly permits in‑app and external alternative payments, with capped service fees of 9% or 20% on Play‑distributed transactions that use those options.
  • Google says the updated model separates its Play service fee from Google Play Billing charges, with a spokesperson citing a 5% billing fee under the proposal.
  • Key elements of the prior injunction remain, including bans on paying for Play exclusivity or preinstallation deals and allowances for developer communications about pricing outside Play.
  • If approved, the agreement would resolve the five‑year lawsuit and extend the reforms worldwide through June 30, 2032, with the parties set to discuss the proposal with the judge on Thursday.