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A US federal judge has granted final approval to Google’s $700 million settlement with US states and consumers, resolving a yearslong legal battle over the company’s practices in the Android app market. The agreement requires Google to provide $630 million to eligible consumers and $70 million to states while making changes to certain Play Store and billing practices.

Court Gives Final Approval to Google Settlement

US District Judge James Donato in San Francisco granted final approval to the settlement, according to MLex, clearing a key remaining hurdle for an agreement first reached in 2023.

Google has denied wrongdoing in the case, which accused the company of unlawfully restricting competition in Android app distribution and in-app payment processing.

The settlement covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. It stems from allegations that Google used restrictions tied to the Play Store and its billing system to limit competition and raise costs for consumers.

Consumers Set to Receive $630 Million

Under the agreement, Google will provide $630 million for consumers, while states will receive $70 million.

Eligible consumers include those who purchased apps through Google Play or made in-app purchases using Google Play Billing between Aug. 16, 2016, and Sept. 30, 2023. Most eligible consumers are expected to receive payments automatically without having to submit individual claims.

The settlement administrator’s website had previously stated that distributions had not begun because the court’s final order had not yet been signed.

Donato had said during an April 30 hearing that he intended to approve the agreement, but the formal order remained outstanding until the latest decision.

Google Agrees to Changes in Play Store Practices

The settlement also requires Google to modify several Play Store practices.

For specified periods, developers will be allowed to offer alternative billing options, while Android users will be given greater ease in obtaining apps from outside Google Play.

The agreement was initially announced in 2023 but required final court approval. Donato had previously questioned whether the proposed settlement provided sufficient relief, particularly because of separate litigation brought by Epic Games over many of the same practices.

Epic Games Case Remains Separate

The settlement does not resolve the separate case involving Epic Games Inc., which continues to place Google's Android business under court scrutiny.

A federal jury found in 2023 that Google maintained an illegal monopoly in Android app distribution and billing. The finding resulted in court-ordered changes aimed at opening the Android ecosystem to competing app stores.

Donato has continued to monitor Google's compliance with those requirements. Earlier this month, he ordered the company to remove additional steps that made it more difficult for Android users to install rival app stores.

The final approval of the $700 million settlement resolves a major portion of the broader Play Store litigation and clears the way for funds to be distributed to eligible consumers, while Google's Android practices remain subject to separate proceedings in the Epic case.