The complaint, docketed as 5:26-cv-03165, alleges Google used Mobile Application Distribution Agreements and Revenue Sharing Agreements with Android phone manufacturers to secure preferential placement for Google Play while punishing competitors. Aptoide also alleges Google made side deals with major app developers to keep them in the Play ecosystem and erected technical barriers to prevent rival app stores from gaining meaningful distribution.
The suit draws heavily on prior litigation. According to the complaint, a jury in Epic Games, Inc. v. Google LLC found that Google "willfully acquired or maintained monopoly power in the Android App Distribution market," with Google allegedly maintaining "a monopoly share of over 90% in Android app distribution through 2022."
Aptoide also points to United States v. Google LLC, alleging that a district court in that case "determined after a two-month trial that Google held monopoly power in general search services." The complaint claims Google used profits from its search monopoly to pay Android device manufacturers to prevent them from giving competitors comparable treatment to Google Play.
The complaint includes 16 counts spanning Sherman Act and California state law violations, covering alleged monopolization in app distribution and in-app billing markets, plus various restraint of trade claims. Aptoide seeks a jury trial and demands unspecified relief.
No judge has been assigned to the case. Google has not yet responded to the complaint.