The long-running case between Epic Games and Google has reached a critical milestone with the decision of the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The court rejected Google’s appeal and upheld previous rulings. This development has ushered in a new era that will directly impact the Android ecosystem.

Epic Games Defeats Google

According to the court decision, Google will no longer be content with simply offering the Play Store to Android users. The company is now obligated to make third-party app stores visible and transparent throughout the system.

The decision also mandates that these stores be accessible within the Play Store and provide full access to Google Play services. The new regulations must be implemented within three years.

Requirements regarding Google’s payment infrastructure are also ending. Developers will no longer be required to use Google’s billing system in their apps. Instead, they will be able to integrate alternative payment systems. Furthermore, there are no legal obstacles for developers to direct users directly to app download pages outside of the Play Store.

Exclusive agreements with device manufacturers and mobile carriers are also affected by this decision. Google’s incentives for these companies not to pre-install third-party stores are now prohibited. This provision has long been criticized as a competitively restrictive practice within the Android operating system.

Following the court ruling, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced that the Epic Games Store will soon be accessible on Android through Google Play. Sweeney stated that this decision provides long-awaited freedom in software distribution on Android.

Google, however, believes the decision will undermine user security and jeopardize Android’s open nature. The company has warned that third-party apps will be available through Google Play.