Judge Tells Google to Make It Easier to Install Third-Party App Stores
Android users have had to click a few extra times to add Aptoide Games.
A federal judge in California has ordered Google to make it easier for consumers to install third-party Android app stores, citing the tech giant's use of "anticompetitive friction." The ruling comes in the ongoing legal battle between Google and Epic Games, which began in 2020 with accusations that Google restricted easy access to third-party app stores and non-Google payment methods.
Installing a third-party Android app store like Aptoide Games has been a cumbersome process, involving multiple clicks and redirects. In the latest ruling, Northern District Judge James Donato called the extra steps "not acceptable" and directed Google to remove them within a week. The judge also ordered Google to show a list of third-party app stores directly in search results, replace the "view" button with an "install" button, and remove the "Looking for an app store?" screen.
Google has allowed the installation of third-party app stores on Android phones since 2010, but prior to July, this could only be done through the cumbersome sideloading method.
Written by urgent.news from CNET's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
