Competing Platforms
“The Epic verdict missed the obvious: Apple and Android clearly compete”, she states and, as developers have finite resources, this verdict will put Android at a disadvantage. The changes that Epic Games has requested, “make it harder for developers to promote their apps, and reduce competition on devices,” she writes.
She explains that this will drive developers to Apple: “Like any business, Google wants developers to offer their best features for Android and to release them on Android first. So we build tools, run training programs and invest in making it as easy as possible to develop for Android. Apple of course does the same – competing to convince developers to prioritize iOS”.
Google also argues that this verdict ignores that Apple and Google are competing for customers. Mulholland writes: “Walk into a store that sells smartphones and you’ll see the options side-by-side — Android phones from companies like Samsung, Motorola and many others competing right next to Apple’s iPhone. People choose between these phones based on price, quality and security.” These changes requested “would put consumers’ privacy and security at risk”, she states, pushing customers to Apple.
The Google legal team is now asking the court to pause implementing the “remedies” requested by Epic Games. Meanwhile, Samsung is denying any wrongdoing and has made it clear that it intends to fight back.