The digital world is abuzz with news that could dramatically alter the way you use your Android phone. Following a legal victory for Epic Games, Google finds itself facing a swift deadline: just 14 days to begin dismantling key aspects of its Android app store (Play Store) operations. The ruling of the antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant affirmed Google‘s practices with the Android’s app store (Play Store) and its billing system as an “illegal monopoly.”

14 days for Google to tweak Android app store after Epic Games victory, they want an emergency stay

As reported by The Verge, Google has filed an emergency request for a stay. They’re essentially asking the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for a pause on these Play Store changes as it prepares for further appeals. However, should that stay not be granted, the company is on the clock to implement a series of key tweaks that will offer more flexibility to users and app developers.

So, what exactly are the immediate shifts Google must make? Primarily, the court’s order means Google can no longer force app developers to use Google Play Billing for in-app purchases. This is a game-changer, as it allows developers more control over how they process payments. Furthermore, developers will gain the freedom to inform their users about alternative payment methods directly within the Play Store. They can also provide links for users to download their apps from outside the Play Store and set their own prices independently.

Another notable ripple effect hits Google’s business relationships. The company must stop sharing money or offering special perks to partners. The list includes phone manufacturers, cellular carriers, and app developers. Google did this in exchange for Google Play exclusivity or for preinstalling Google apps. This aims to level the playing field in favor of a more competitive environment across the Android ecosystem.

Finally, Google is now mandated to collaborate with Epic Games to resolve any ongoing disputes as it works on a system to integrate rival app stores.

Some changes will take time

It’s worth noting that the most highly anticipated change—the direct inclusion of rival app stores like Epic Games Store or Microsoft Xbox Store within Google Play—won’t happen overnight. The court has given Google approximately seven and a half months to work on this. The search giant must develop robust safety and security protocols. This means such integrations are unlikely to appear until 2026 at the earliest.

Google has voiced strong objections to this rapid implementation. The firm claims that these changes, imposed within just two weeks, would expose millions of users and developers to “substantial risks” and could “jeopardize the entire Android ecosystem.” These are serious concerns, and Google aims to escalate its appeal. The company could potentially take the case to the full Ninth Circuit or even the US Supreme Court.

Regardless of Google’s potential success in its appeals, the immediate changes mandated by the court could mark a big shift regarding the distribution of apps and money on Android. Stay tuned to keep up-to-date as events unfold.
The post The Clock Is Ticking: Google Must Change Android App Store In 14 Days appeared first on Android Headlines.

Source: ndroidheadlines.com