Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google and Samsung, accusing them of limiting competition in the app store market. The lawsuit, known as the EG lawsuit, centers around Samsung’s new Auto Blocker feature, which Epic claims stifles third-party app stores, including its own. This legal dispute could have significant implications for mobile app distribution.
Samsung’s Auto Blocker: A Key Element of the Epic Games Lawsuit
One of the main points in the Epic Games lawsuit is Samsung’s Auto Blocker, introduced with the One UI 6.1 update. This feature restricts users from installing apps from third-party sources, such as the Epic Games Store. Epic alleges that this change is a deliberate attempt to curb competition following its efforts to establish its own app store in 2024.
The Legal Claims of the Epic Games Lawsuit
In response, EG filed a lawsuit against both Google and Samsung, claiming that their practices violate antitrust laws. CEO Tim Sweeney has expressed frustration, stating that the actions of these tech giants limit consumer choice. If the EG lawsuit succeeds, it could force changes to app store governance, potentially opening up the Android platform to greater competition.
What This Lawsuit Means for Consumers and Developers
If the EG lawsuit results in a favorable ruling for Epic, both developers and consumers could see significant changes in how apps are distributed on Android devices. This case could allow third-party app stores to flourish, providing more options for users and developers alike. However, Google and Samsung maintain that their practices are essential for security.
