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Lead DevelopmentFACT · 4/5•28 Aug '26•Via PocketGamer.biz

Google settles UK app developers lawsuit for $353M

Google has agreed a proposed £260 million ($353.21m) settlement in a mass lawsuit brought on behalf of UK app developers over Google Play commissions and distribution restrictions. If approved by the Competition Appeal Tribunal, £160m will be paid to eligible developers who sold apps on Google Play between August 2018 and July 2026, and £100m will cover legal costs. Google made no admission of liability. The claim, led by academic Barry Rodger and previously valued at just over £1 billion, alleged Google abused its dominant position by blocking alternative distribution and charging a typical 30% commission. The settlement is subject to tribunal approval and follows similar mass cases against Apple, Qualcomm and Sony since 2025.

•Google agreed a proposed settlement of £260 million ($353.21m) in the UK class action.
•£160m will be available to developers who sold apps on Google Play between August 2018 and July 2026.
•An additional £100m is allocated to cover the costs of bringing and funding the lawsuit.

Entities:Google Thomson Reuters Reuters Apple Qualcomm Sony

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FACT · 4/55 Aug '26· Via Apple Developer News

Apple introduces new App Store creative assets

Apple announced on August 5, 2026 that it is introducing new creative assets for the App Store to help developers market apps and games beyond in‑use visuals. The assets can be used across multiple App Store locations including product page headers, search results, and In‑App Events. Apple published App Store asset best practices and provided design templates for Figma, Photoshop, and Pixelmator to help developers prepare images and videos ahead of a planned fall launch. The announcement follows a June update and directs developers to guidance and templates for creating the new creatives.

•Apple announced new creative assets for the App Store on 2026-08-05.
•New assets can be used across product page headers, search results, In-App Events, and other App Store placements.
•Apple published App Store asset best practices including recommendations and design templates for Figma, Photoshop (Adobe), and Pixelmator.

Apple Figma Adobe

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FACT · 4/530 Jul '26· Via techcrunch

Apple cites gaming slowdown, App Store changes for services dip

Apple reported that its services business surpassed 1.5 billion paid subscriptions but missed Wall Street expectations for fiscal third-quarter services revenue, reporting $30.74 billion versus $31.22 billion expected. Apple attributed the shortfall to factors including foreign exchange, a slowdown in mobile gaming, and App Store business-model changes in some countries that now allow developers to process payments outside the App Store under a court order. Apple noted the App Store set a June-quarter revenue record (including Apple Ads), while several services — Apple Ads, AppleCare, Apple Music, Apple TV, cloud and payment services — reached quarter or all-time highs. The company highlighted potential future revenue drivers such as Creator Studio subscriptions, bill-splitting in Apple Cash, and the new Apple Upgrade program launched with Klarna.

•Apple said its services business has topped 1.5 billion paid subscriptions.
•Apple reported $30.74 billion in services revenue for the fiscal third quarter, below the $31.22 billion analysts expected.
•Apple cited a slowdown in mobile gaming and App Store business-model changes (including court-ordered out-of-app payments) as notable factors affecting App Store performance.

Apple Klarna TechCrunch

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FACT · 4/516 Jul '26· Via Mobilegamer.biz

Google Play to Allow Third-Party App Stores

Google and Epic Games have agreed to withdraw a legal motion, accelerating a change that will allow third-party app stores to be distributed natively via the Google Play Store starting next week. The decision replaces an earlier plan for a 'Registered App Stores' programme and is expected to speed the arrival of the Epic Games Store and other alternative stores (Samsung’s Galaxy Store, AltStore, Skich, and potentially an Xbox app store) on Play. Google said the move lets it focus on executing its 'global business model evolution' to increase app store choice, lower prices, and create more opportunities for developers and users. Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed the development on X and noted Epic already hosts third-party stores such as Itch and GOG Galaxy.

•Google and Epic Games agreed to jointly withdraw a motion to modify the US court’s injunction related to Android app stores.
•The Play Store will begin distributing third-party app stores natively starting next week (publication date 2026-07-16).
•The change is expected to speed the arrival of the Epic Games Store on Google Play and allow other third-party stores including Samsung’s Galaxy Store, AltStore, and Skich — and potentially an Xbox app store.

Google Epic Games Samsung Electronics The Verge XBOX

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FACT · 5/516 Jul '26· Via PocketGamer.biz

Google and Epic Withdraw Settlement as Play Store Overhaul Advances

Google and Epic Games have withdrawn their joint motion to modify the US court's injunction on Android app distribution, clearing the way for Google Play to carry third-party app stores in the United States starting July 22, 2026. Google will implement the court's original remedy rather than the previously proposed Registered App Store sideloading model. To support the rollout, Google launched the Play Catalogue Access Program, which requires participating third-party stores to pay a $5,000 annual review fee, distribute apps only within the US, meet security and policy requirements, maintain transparent trust-and-safety policies, and keep malware install attempts below 1%. The move follows a jury verdict finding Google held an illegal monopoly over Android app distribution. Unresolved issues include whether Google may impose fees on link-out payments.

•Google and Epic Games withdrew their joint attempt to modify the US court-ordered changes to Android app distribution.
•Google Play is cleared to begin carrying rival third-party app stores in the US from July 22, 2026.
•Google launched the Play Catalogue Access Program for third-party app stores.

Google Epic Games The Verge

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FACT · 5/513 Jul '26· Via Mobilegamer.biz

Google cuts Play Store fees, launches Games Level Up

Aurash Mahbod, Google Play GM for games, explained Google’s new Play Store fee structure and the Games Level Up program. The fee changes began June 30 for developers in the US, EU and UK, with staged rollouts for other regions (Australia Sept 30; Japan and Korea Dec 31; rest of world Sept 30, 2027). Google says it will reduce the baseline service fee on one-time purchases for new installs from 30% to 20% and decouple a separate billing fee; a 5% billing fee in the US/UK/EU means some existing in-app purchases using Google billing remain effectively under prior economics. The Level Up program offers deeper discounts but requires additional compliance and technical requirements.

•Google began new Play Store fee changes on June 30 for developers in the US, EU and UK.
•Rollout dates: Australia from September 30; Japan and Korea from December 31; rest of world from September 30, 2027.
•Google will reduce the standard service fee on one-time purchases for new installs from 30% to 20% and decouple the billing fee.

Google Epic Games

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