When Google and Epic announced their settlement in late 2025, the Google Play distribution provisions were gone. Instead, Google promised to launch a Registered App Store program globally, allowing stores to access streamlined installation and other system features, making them first-class citizens on Android. They would have to get users to sideload the app store clients, though.
An earlier legal filing included an early look at how registered app stores will work.
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From the start, this modification of the remedies was on shaky ground. Donato expressed skepticism about the proposal in early 2026, noting that it may not serve the market’s interests. Still, Google forged ahead with Registered App Stores, planning an international rollout before expanding to the US with court approval.
A brave new app store
Google and Epic were set to return to court on July 16 to argue in favor of the settlement. However, the writing may have been on the wall. In a recent expert analysis provided to the court, MIT economics professor Nancy Rose noted that the settlement was “unlikely to enable Google Play’s potential competitors to overcome their long-standing network-effect disadvantage in a timely manner.”
With settlement approval looking increasingly unlikely, Epic and Google agreed this week to call the whole thing off. Google clarifies that the settlement is still in place for Google and Epic, and the policy changes it prompted will move ahead, but the companies are no longer seeking to modify the court’s remedies. Here’s how Google Trust and Reputation Communications Lead Dan Jackson explains the company’s decision:
“We’ve agreed with Epic to withdraw our motion to modify the US Court’s injunction rather than prolonging this process which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem. This allows us to focus on executing our recently announced global business model evolution to deliver greater app store choice, lower prices, and more opportunities for developers and users. We remain committed to maintaining Android’s industry-leading security and fostering a competitive ecosystem where every app store and developer has the freedom to compete. In parallel, we continue to comply with the US Court’s injunction.”
