App Stores
Ongoing coverage on App Stores.
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Fortnite back on Google Play worldwide after Epic and Google settle
Fortnite is now available worldwide on the Google Play Store following a settlement between Epic Games and Google that resolves their antitrust dispute. This marks the return of the popular game to the platform after a nearly six-year absence. The settlement also includes changes to Google's app store policies, such as easier access for rivals and reduced developer fees.
Evening Mobilization
F-Droid has stated that Google's new Android developer verification plan poses an 'existential' threat to alternative app stores. This initiative by Google could significantly impact the distribution landscape for applications on the Android platform.
Apple is reducing its App Store commission fees in China
Apple is reducing its App Store commission fees in mainland China from 30 percent to 25 percent for standard in-app purchases, effective March 15. Developers in its Small Business or Mini Apps programs will see fees drop from 15 to 12 percent. This move follows discussions with Chinese regulators and comes amid an investigation into Apple's developer fees.
Morning Mobilization
Apple has blocked US users from downloading apps from ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok. Separately, Samsung has renamed its internet browser. The article also briefly mentions driving with Star Trek on Waze.
Google reportedly muzzles Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney until 2032
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney is reportedly bound by settlement terms with Google to speak positively about the company's app store operations until September 30, 2032. While Epic and Sweeney have been vocal critics of Google's practices, the recent settlement in their antitrust lawsuit includes a non-disparagement clause specifically related to app store distribution and fees. Following the settlement, Epic Games is bringing Fortnite back to the Google Play Store.
Google resolves dispute with Epic Games, reduces app store fees to 20%
Google has settled its dispute with Epic Games by reducing app store commission fees to 20% and introducing new service fees for developers. This agreement will allow Fortnite to return to Google Play stores globally. The changes aim to create a stronger Android ecosystem with lower rates for developers, with a phased global rollout planned by September 2027.
Fortnite returns to the Google Play Store after a long wait for Android phones
Fortnite is returning to the Google Play Store for Android devices worldwide, as confirmed by Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney. This marks the end of a long absence initiated in 2021 when Epic bypassed Google's in-app billing system. The return is facilitated by recent Google policy changes offering developers more flexibility, including support for alternative billing and third-party app stores.
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Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement to end their app store antitrust lawsuit. Separately, a lawsuit alleges that Google Gemini sent a man on violent missions and set a suicide countdown.
Google ends its 30 percent app store fee and welcomes third-party app stores
Google is significantly altering its Play Store policies, reducing its transaction fees to 20 percent (and as low as 15 percent for some developers) and allowing developers to offer alternative billing systems. This move, partly influenced by a settlement with Epic Games, also paves the way for third-party app stores to be more easily integrated into Android. Fortnite is set to return to the Google Play Store globally as a result of these changes.