Jury to Decide on Google's App Store Monopoly Allegations by December as the Tech Giant Settles Antitrust Case with Match Group

Epic Games' lawsuit alleging Google's monopoly on their Android App Store enters trial phase, while recent settlement between Google and Match Group greenlights third-party billing systems.

Epic Games' lawsuit against Google's monopoly on their Android App Store enters its trial phase in San Francisco. The verdict, expected around mid-December could lead to significant changes in Google's control over apps.
As per the lawsuit, Google's Play store accounts for over 90% of app downloads on Android phones in the U.S. The allegations have encouraged competition regulators in countries like South Korea to order modifications in Google's control over app distribution.
Epic Games' lawsuit follows its feud with Google over Fortnite's removal from the Play store after Epic tried to use its own billing system for in-app purchases instead of Google's, avoiding a 30% commission to Google. Epic's allegations include Google's restriction of rival app stores and making exclusive agreements with top developers.
Google recently settled an antitrust case with Match Group, owner of several popular dating apps. As a part of the settlement, Match can implement 'user choice billing' by March 31, 2024, allowing users to pay through systems other than Google's, and reducing commission payments to Google.
Despite the settlement, it is required for Match Group to offer its billing system alongside Google's. The terms also state that Google will continue to partner with Match Group in other areas, indicating that the lawsuit could have complicated relationships across both companies' business.