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Google hit with fresh monopoly lawsuit from app store rival
15 Apr 2026

Aptoide, a Portugal-based Android app store, has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google.

The company accuses the tech giant of monopolizing app distribution and billing, thereby violating US antitrust laws.

The lawsuit was filed in a San Francisco federal court on Tuesday.

Aptoide claims Google's practices have prevented smaller rivals from competing effectively in the market.

Aptoide claims to serve over 200 million annual users
Market dynamics

Aptoide, which describes itself as "the alternative Android app store," claims to host around 436,000 apps and serve over 200 million annual users.

The company alleges that it offers lower commissions for developers and cheaper services for users.

However, it also claims that Google deprives its rivals of exclusive content from top developers while pushing them toward Google Play and other "must have" services.

Legal history of Aptoide against Google
Legal action

The lawsuit filed by Aptoide seeks an injunction against Google's alleged anticompetitive practices and unspecified triple damages.

This isn't the first time Aptoide has taken legal action against Google. The company had filed a separate complaint with European Union antitrust authorities back in 2014.

Last November, Google agreed to make changes to Android and its app store after settling a five-year-old antitrust case with Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite.

Google's previous legal battles and outcomes
Ongoing challenges

In 2023, a jury found Google guilty of illegally stifling competition, leading to a trial judge ordering sweeping reforms the following year.

The company also faced a US government case where a judge ruled its internet search engine an illegal monopoly in August 2024.

While the judge ordered Google to share search data with rivals, it didn't mandate the sale of its Android operating system or Chrome browser.

Both parties have appealed against this ruling.