Google will now be allowing more payment options for the available apps in Play Store, including direct payment to the developers.
The tech giant announced the changes on its mobile app store on Monday following its $700 million settlement in an antitrust lawsuit against Epic Games.
The changes were part of the agreement reached in September to provide alternative billing choices for their US users to "choose which option to use when making in-app purchases."
Google added that it has been piloting the transaction program in the US for over a year now "and will now expand this option further."
In addition, Android phone makers like Samsung can still continue other app stores in addition
Also Read: Epic Games Wins Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google
Google Loses Antitrust Trial Against Epic Games
The payment options within Google Play were ripped open after the jury ruled that the company violated antitrust laws to collect fees and limit its competition in Epic Games.
Google is required to pay $630 million as a settlement fund for affected consumers and an additional $70 million payment to be used as funds by the states.
First submitted in 2021, Epic Games accuses Google of monopolizing the mobile games industry as it abuses its market power and enforces aggressive policies on software developers using the platform.
The tech giant's trial marks the beginning of the Justice Department bringing monopoly trials onto the big tech wigs.
Google continues to assert that the case is "far from over" as it aims to challenge the verdict.
Related Article: Google Play Toughens Rules on Android App Devs, Increases Platform Safety
Active Users in the Google Play Store
Google Play remains the biggest market for mobile games with more than 2.5 billion monthly users recorded accessing the app per month.
Apple has an average of 650 million average customers and visitors per week.
Epic Games have also filed a lawsuit against Apple Store over similar violations, of which it ultimately loses against.
Both sides are still trying to appeal the ruling to the US Supreme Court.
