In a significant development within the tech industry, Epic Games, the renowned developer behind the popular game Fortnite, has initiated a new antitrust lawsuit against tech giants Google and Samsung. This legal action comes on the heels of a previous victory for Epic in December 2023, where a jury ruled that Google maintained an illegal monopoly over app distribution on its platform.
The crux of the latest lawsuit centers around allegations that Google and Samsung are conspiring to stifle competition by preventing third-party app stores from gaining traction on Samsung devices. Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, has been vocal about the challenges that developers face in the current app ecosystem, emphasizing the need for fair competition.
At the heart of the dispute is Samsung’s controversial “Auto Blocker” feature, which is automatically enabled on new Samsung smartphones. This feature restricts users from installing applications unless they originate from “authorized sources,” which predominantly includes the Google Play Store and Samsung’s own app store. Epic argues that there is no clear pathway for alternative app stores to achieve this “authorized” status, effectively locking users into the existing ecosystem.
Epic’s previous lawsuits against both Google and Apple, filed in August 2020, were part of a broader push for reform in the mobile app marketplace. At that time, Epic did not have its own mobile app store. However, in August 2024, the company launched the Epic Games Store on Android globally and on iPhones within the European Union, following the implementation of the EU Digital Markets Act, which mandates that Apple allow alternative app stores.
Interestingly, just prior to the launch of its own store, Epic alleges that Samsung made a strategic decision to enable the Auto Blocker feature by default. This move, according to Epic, significantly complicates the process for users looking to install competing applications. The company claims that the current process to disable the Auto Blocker and download a third-party app store involves an “exceptionally onerous 21-step process.”
While some may argue that the 21-step claim is exaggerated—Epic’s own website suggests it only takes four steps to disable the Auto Blocker—users have reported difficulties in navigating the settings on their Samsung devices. For instance, when attempting to install the Epic Games Store with the Auto Blocker activated, users encounter a pop-up that does not provide guidance on how to disable the feature.
Moreover, searching for instructions on how to turn off the Auto Blocker within the device’s universal search yields no relevant results, further complicating the user experience. This lack of accessibility may deter users from pursuing the installation of alternative app stores, effectively maintaining the status quo in app distribution.
The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond Epic Games and Samsung. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the entire mobile app ecosystem, particularly for developers seeking to establish their own platforms. As the legal battle unfolds, it will be crucial to observe how it affects user choice and competition in the digital marketplace.
As Epic continues to challenge the practices of these tech giants, the tech community watches closely. This case not only highlights the ongoing tension between app developers and platform holders but also raises important questions about the future of app distribution and user autonomy in an increasingly consolidated market.
