GoKawiilRyan Haines / Android Authority
TL;DR Aptoide has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against Google over Android app distribution and in-app billing.
The company says Google’s conduct has harmed independent app stores through OEM lock-in agreements, developer exclusivity deals, and added friction for alternatives.
Aptoide says the complaint builds on findings from the Epic case, and argues the company is still being harmed by Google’s practices.
Google has already been pushed to open up Android a bit more after the Epic case forced Google to start outlining Android app store changes, but one rival store says it still hasn’t gone far enough. Independent Android app store Aptoide announced this week that it has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against Google, accusing it of unfair practices in both Android app distribution and in-app billing.
In its press release, Aptoide confirms the complaint was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. Essentially, Aptoide says Google has made it too difficult for rival app stores to properly compete on Android, while also keeping a firm grip on the billing side of things.
Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority? Set us as a favorite source in Google Discover to never miss our latest exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more.
You can also set us as a preferred source in Google Search by clicking the button below.
Those are the same broad areas that sat at the center of Epic’s fight with Google. Google has already started laying out changes linked to the terms of the settlement in that case, including its new Registered App Store program and a revised fee structure. Aptoide’s lawsuit makes clear that some rivals think that still doesn’t amount to a level playing field.
Would you stick with Android if the Play Store was your only option for apps? 378 votes Yes, I have no problem with getting all my apps from the Play Store. 30 % Yes, I'd find other ways of installing the apps I want. 29 % Maybe, if Google cleans up the Play Store. 10 % No, I might as well leave for Apple. 24 % I have a more complex opinion (elaborate in the comments). 7 %
... continue reading