United Kingdom, Nov. 5 -- Google and Epic Games have reached a landmark settlement that could reshape how apps are distributed and monetised on Android devices worldwide.

The agreement follows years of courtroom battles over Google's control of the Play Store - and if approved by a California judge, will cement sweeping changes to app store competition through June 2032.

The proposed settlement would require Google to open Android to third-party app stores, like the Epic Games Store, allowing users to install alternative marketplaces directly from the web without the current "scare screens" or restrictive permissions.

Rival stores registered under the new system would also gain access to Google Play's full app catalogue, effectively ma...