Key Takeaways
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- Samsungs Auto Blocker feature on Android devices, which prevents installation of apps not sourced from the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store, was found to create an excessive barrier to accessing alternative app stores like the Epic Games Store.
- A lawsuit filed by Epic Games against Samsung over the Auto Blocker feature was withdrawn in September 2024 after both parties reached an understanding, with Samsung committing to address concerns raised.
- The precise terms of the agreement between Epic Games and Samsung have not been publicly disclosed, but there is speculation that the Auto Blocker function may operate differently on Samsung devices moving forward.
- This settlement marks another step in Epics ongoing challenge against major tech companies app store policies, following previous disputes with Apple and Google regarding developer fees and app distribution. There is also a possibility of future collaborations between Epic Games and Samsung, though no direct integration has been confirmed yet.
Lawsuit Withdrawal by Epic Games and Samsung over Auto Blocker Feature in Android Devices
Epic Games withdrew its lawsuit against Samsung in September 2024, citing the “Auto Blocker” functionality introduced by the South Korean manufacturer on its Android devices. Epic Games President, Tim Sweeney, announced the decision on X, stating that both parties had reached an understanding and Samsung had committed to addressing the concerns raised. Samsung initially launched Auto Blocker in October 2023 as an optional feature within its One UI 6.0 system. This feature prevented the installation of applications not sourced from the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store. However, in July 2024, Samsung enabled Auto Blocker by default, making it a 21-step process to install apps from other sources, thereby hindering sideloading. Epic Games argued that this measure created an excessive and unnecessary barrier to accessing alternative app stores, such as the Epic Games Store, and its games like Fortnite.
Settlement on Samsung’s Auto Blocker Feature in Android Following Epic Games’ Court Ruling Against Google
A December 2023 US court ruling against Google further strengthened Epic’s complaint, as it concluded that the tech giant had violated competition laws by making it difficult to access other application stores on Android. Epic Games viewed Samsung’s Auto Blocker as contrary to the spirit of this judicial decision, as it introduced additional hurdles for users seeking to install apps outside official stores. The precise terms of the agreement between Epic Games and Samsung have not been publicly disclosed, but speculation suggests a potential change in how the Auto Blocker function operates on Samsung devices. This settlement marks another chapter in Epic’s ongoing challenge against major tech companies’ app store policies, following previous disputes with Apple and Google regarding developer fees and app distribution. The timing of this announcement, coinciding with Samsung’s upcoming Unpacked event where Samsung is expected to announce new devices, also raises the possibility of future collaborations between the two companies, though neither has confirmed any direct integration.
In Case You Missed It
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Links to external sources for further reading
- Epic Games settles with Samsunghttps://www.androidheadlines.com/2025/07/epic-games-settles-antitrust-lawsuit-samsung.html
- Epic Games and Samsung Settle App Store Lawsuit – What It Means for Your Phonehttps://www.gadgetreview.com/epic-games-and-samsung-settle-app-store-lawsuit-what-it-means
- Epic Games Lawsuit Ends After Samsung Settles App Store Casehttps://techresearchonline.com/news/epic-games-samsung-app-store-settlement/
- Antitrust Battle Ends: Epic Games & Samsung Settle Legal Disputehttps://www.androidheadlines.com/2025/07/epic-games-settles-antitrust-lawsuit-samsung.html
- Samsung's Auto Blocker Mode vs. Epichttps://www.techtimes.com/articles/311218/20250707/epic-games-samsung-settle-app-store-lawsuit-after-auto-blocker-mode-fiasco.htm