Alternative app store Aptoide files antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleges “anticompetitive chokehold”

Alternative app store Aptoide has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleging that it maintains an “anticompetitive chokehold” over third-party app stores.

As Reuters reports, the lawsuit was filed in a San Francisco federal court earlier this week. Lisbon-based Aptoide seeks an injunction against anticompetitive practices and unspecified damages.

Aptoide previously filed a complaint against Google with European Union antitrust authorities in 2014.

The alternative app store fully launched its service on iOS in February 2025. Its beta opened in June 2024 and attracted a waitlist of 20,000 users.

Aptoide provides an alternative in-app purchase system for iOS and offers IAP software development kits in collaboration with Apple.

Last month, Google resolved its longstanding dispute with Epic Games, which had also accused Google of anticompetitive practices.

Google updated its Play Store ecosystem by reducing commission rates on in-app purchases to 20%. It also announced plans for an optional program to support developers interested in sideloading qualified third-party app stores.

“We believe these changes will make for a stronger Android ecosystem with even more successful developers and higher-quality apps and games available across more form factors for everyone,” said Sameer Samat, president of Google’s Android system.

“We look forward to our continued work with the developer community to build the next generation of digital experiences.”