The Portuguese company Aptoide has filed a major federal antitrust lawsuit against Google in California. Leveraging the recent legal precedent from the Epic Games case, Aptoide alleges that Google continues to abuse its dominant position in the mobile app market.
Devs.com.pt recently reported that this lawsuit focuses on how billions of Android users discover, download, and pay for applications. The complaint specifically targets Google’s control over app distribution and its restrictive in-app billing systems.
Core Allegations
Aptoide is seeking to hold Google accountable for practices that systematically block fair competition:
- Distribution Monopoly: The lawsuit claims Google creates "friction" during the installation of third-party apps and uses exclusivity agreements to shut out competitors.
- Billing Disputes: By forcing developers to use the Google Play billing system, Google prevents other technology companies from offering more competitive commission rates.
- Legal Precedent: Aptoide is using the 2025 Epic vs. Google ruling as a foundation to prove that Google’s anti-competitive conduct remains a persistent issue.
Global Impact
Since its start in 2011, Aptoide has grown into a global platform with over 200 million users. Despite winning a legal battle in Portuguese courts back in 2018, the company argues it has suffered significant damages. This new federal case aims not only for financial compensation but also to force Google to end discriminatory practices on the Android platform permanently.
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