Google Settles Epic Games Lawsuit, Cuts Play Store Fees

The tech giant will lower its commission on in-app purchases and allow more third-party app stores on Android.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Google has announced a series of changes to its Play Store model to settle its long-running legal dispute with Epic Games over app store practices. The changes include lowering the commission fee on in-app purchases to 20% and allowing users to more easily install other app stores on Android devices. The settlement follows a 2023 jury verdict that found Google violated antitrust laws by illegally protecting its Play Store from competition.

Why it matters

This settlement is a significant development in the ongoing debate over app store dominance and the power of tech giants like Google. The changes could lead to more competition, lower costs for developers, and greater choice for Android users when it comes to downloading apps and making in-app purchases.

The details

As part of the settlement, Google will roll out a new program that makes it easier for users to install third-party app stores on Android devices. The company is also lowering its commission fee on in-app purchases from the typical 15-30% range down to 20%. Google says these changes will 'make for a stronger Android ecosystem with even more successful developers and higher-quality apps and games available across more form factors for everyone.'

  • The settlement was announced on March 5, 2026.
  • Google plans to implement the changes in the U.S., U.K. and EU by June 30, 2026, with other countries following at later dates.

The players

Google

The tech giant that owns the Android operating system and the Google Play Store.

Epic Games

The video game developer behind the popular game Fortnite, which sued Google in 2020 over its app store practices.

Tim Sweeney

The founder and CEO of Epic Games, who celebrated the settlement on social media.

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What they’re saying

“Google is opening up Android all the way with robust support for competing stores, competing payments, and a better deal for all developers.”

— Tim Sweeney, Founder and CEO, Epic Games (X)

What’s next

The federal presiding judge must approve the proposed settlement before the changes can be fully implemented.

The takeaway

This settlement represents a significant shift in the power dynamics of the mobile app ecosystem, potentially leading to more competition, lower costs for developers, and greater choice for Android users. It also highlights the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges facing tech giants over their control of digital platforms.