Aptoide sues Google over Android distribution monopoly as Epic settlement billing changes take effect
The April 14, 2026 US antitrust suit argues the Epic v. Google settlement reforms do not go far enough. Google Play commission reductions take effect in the US, UK, and Europe by end of June 2026.
Aptoide filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against Google in the Northern District of California on April 14, 2026. The suit alleges Google maintains an illegal monopoly over Android app distribution and in-app billing through exclusivity arrangements with OEMs and developers, and through use of Play Protect to suppress competing stores on-device. It seeks an injunction and treble damages under the Clayton Act. Google has not responded publicly as of April 16, 2026. No developer action is required in response to the lawsuit.
Aptoide filed its first antitrust complaint against Google with the European Commission in 2014. The company’s position in the current US suit is that the Epic v. Google settlement, reached in March 2026 following a Ninth Circuit ruling that found Google held illegal monopolies in Android app distribution and billing, does not address the underlying competitive conditions.
The settlement introduced a Registered App Stores Program for alternative Android stores, reduced Google Play commissions, and prohibited developer exclusivity payments of the kind documented during the trial as “Project Hug,” through which Google paid major developers to stay exclusive to Google Play.
Google Play commission reductions take effect by end of June 2026
The settlement reduces Google Play commissions from 30% to 20% for new installs and to 10% for recurring subscriptions. These changes take effect in the US, UK, and Europe by end of June 2026, and worldwide by September 30, 2027. No action is required from developers — the new rates apply automatically.
Google Play Level Up links service fee reductions to program compliance
Google restructured Play Store service fees on March 4, making Level Up participation the mechanism for accessing reduced rates. The July 31 and November 30 integration deadlines were not changed. Developers who meet those milestones will be positioned for lower fees when they take effect later this year; developers who don’t will pay standard rates.
The Registered App Stores Program is separate from the billing changes and has no confirmed launch date. Under the program, stores that meet Google’s certification requirements will be installable on Android devices without triggering on-device warnings. Google announced the program in March 2026 and stated it will roll out outside the US first in a major Android release in 2026, with a US launch contingent on court approval of the settlement. Google has not published registration requirements or an application process as of April 16, 2026.
Submitting to Aptoide
Aptoide operates two storefronts. According to Aptoide, the Android store has approximately 436,000 titles and 200 million annual users, with a user base concentrated in Brazil, India, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. The iOS store launched to all EU users on February 18, 2025, after a beta period beginning June 2024. According to Aptoide, it was the first free alternative iOS game store in the EU. It is available to EU iPhone and iPad users at no cost. According to Aptoide, users can install older versions of games on the iOS store, a feature not available on other iOS marketplaces.
Submission to both stores is handled through Aptoide Connect at connect.aptoide.com. A single upload distributes to Aptoide’s own storefronts and 10+ partner stores including Xiaomi, Huawei AppGallery, Honor, Transsion, and OneStore. Aptoide Connect acts as merchant of record, handling VAT, fraud prevention, and refunds.
Commission rates published by Aptoide Connect:
Android storefront and partner stores: 25% to Aptoide, 75% to developer
EU iOS storefront: 20% to Aptoide, 80% to developer
Direct-to-consumer model: 10% to Aptoide, 90% to developer
The D2C model processes transactions outside the storefront apps via Aptoide’s web-based payment infrastructure.
Sources
Android Authority — https://www.androidauthority.com/google-epic-changes-registered-app-stores-3646743/
Aptoide Connect blog — https://connect.aptoide.com/blog/aptoideConnect
PocketGamer.biz — https://www.pocketgamer.biz/alternative-app-store-aptoide-launches-on-ios-in-eu/
Medianama — https://www.medianama.com/2026/04/223-aptoide-google-android-app-store-monopoly/