The Epic vs Google court battle has come to a verdict, with a jury unanimously voting in Epic’s favor, and declaring that Google has an “illegal monopoly” with the Play Store and Google Play billing.
As reported by The Verge, the jury voted that Google has a monopoly over Android app distribution and in-app billing, that Google has engaged in anticompetitive practices around its markets, and that Epic was injured by Google’s behavior. The case seems to have particularly come down to the multiple reveals throughout the case that Google’s practices and deals were deemed as anti-competitive.
While the verdict is in, the case isn’t over just yet. Judge James Donato still hasn’t announced what Epic has won or what changes Google will be required to make.
Epic, in a blog post, says that the verdict is “a win for all app developers.”
Today’s verdict is a win for all app developers and consumers around the world. It proves that Google’s app store practices are illegal and they abuse their monopoly to extract exorbitant fees, stifle competition and reduce innovaion.
This is honestly surprising. How can the courts rule that Google has a monopoly but Apple does not? Android phones actually allow side loading apps outside of the app store.
It likely has more to do with the deals they make to reduce fees for some apps but not others
It can’t, the difference is Apple’s trial didn’t have a jury.
Apple must hate this outcome - I bet they’ve already unleashed their lobbyists to try to minimise the blowback.
In combination with EU’s recent tilt to allow other app stores… they are definitely not loving this.