The complaint, filed April 14, 2026, and docketed as No. 5:26-cv-03165, names Google LLC and four related entities as defendants. Aptoide alleges it operates "the world's third-largest Android app store" with over 200 million users and 436,000 apps, according to the suit.
At the center of the case are Google's Mobile Application Distribution Agreements and Revenue Sharing Agreements with device manufacturers. The complaint alleges Google "conditions access to essential services like Gmail and Google Maps on manufacturers agreeing to preinstall Google Play prominently while blocking competing app stores from comparable placement."
The suit claims Google's anticompetitive conduct goes beyond manufacturer deals. According to the complaint, Google prevents competing app stores from being listed on Google Play itself and creates technical hurdles that make "sideloading" alternative stores difficult for ordinary users. Aptoide also alleges Google leverages its search monopoly to further foreclose competition in app distribution.
The complaint points to recent antitrust rulings as support for its claims. According to the filing, a jury in Epic Games v. Google found that Google "willfully maintained monopolies in Android app distribution and in-app billing markets." The suit also cites the federal court ruling in United States v. Google LLC, which found Google "illegally maintained its search monopoly through exclusionary agreements."
Aptoide brings sixteen counts under the Sherman Act, California's Cartwright Act, and California's Unfair Competition Law. The company seeks treble damages and injunctive relief challenging Google's alleged conduct in both app distribution and in-app payment processing markets.
Google has not yet responded to the complaint.