Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney hailed Google’s landmark antitrust settlement proposal on Tuesday as a “comprehensive solution” that reinforces Android’s vision of maintaining an open mobile ecosystem.
Lower Fees and Expanded Payment Options
The settlement agreement between Google and the Fortnite creator introduces sweeping reforms to the Android app marketplace designed to lower fees and drive competition. Pending final judicial approval, the new terms require Google to allow Android developers to direct users to alternative payment systems both within their applications and through external web links. Commission rates charged by Google will also be capped at either 9% or 20%, depending on the transaction type and the date the app was originally installed, according to the official legal filing.
Google Outlines New Era of App Flexibility
In a public statement on X, Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, emphasized that the changes “focus on expanding developer choice and flexibility, lowering fees, and encouraging more competition all while keeping users safe.” If approved by the court, the deal will officially bring an end to the protracted antitrust litigation between both parties.
Tim Sweeney Sharpens Contrast With Apple
Following the announcement, Tim Sweeney praised the agreement on X, describing it as “awesome” while drawing a sharp distinction between Google and Apple. Sweeney criticized Apple’s walled-garden model, claiming the iPhone maker remains focused on “blocking all competing stores and leaving payments as the only vector for competition.” With the lawsuit resolved, Sweeney confirmed that the native Epic Games Store for Android will officially launch directly on the Google Play Store.
Legal Battle Background and Apple’s Response
Epic Games initially sued both tech giants, accusing them of maintaining anti-competitive app store monopolies, charging exorbitant fees, and self-preferencing their proprietary billing services. While Apple largely defeated Epic’s lawsuit—despite being required to modify App Store rules to permit external payment links—Google lost its court battle in July when a jury determined the search leader stifled marketplace competition.
Apple continues to defend its ecosystem rules, asserting that its policies protect consumer privacy and App Store security. Meanwhile, the iPhone maker recently reported record revenue for its Services segment—which encompasses App Store earnings—climbing 15% year-over-year to $28.75 billion in its most recent fiscal quarter.
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