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Epic Games has officially settled its lawsuit with Samsung over the “Auto Blocker” feature found on Galaxy devices.

The move comes just ahead of Samsung’s Unpacked event on 10 July 2025, and could have implications for how third-party apps and game stores like Epic’s operate on Android smartphones, including in markets like Malaysia.

 

What happened?

Epic originally filed the suit in September 2023, alleging that Samsung's Auto Blocker—a security feature introduced in One UI 6.0—unfairly restricted apps from third-party sources, such as the Epic Games Store.

By default, Auto Blocker prevents installations from apps not verified by Samsung or Google, which Epic argued limited fair competition in Android’s app ecosystem.

On 7 July 2025, Epic formally dropped its legal case against Samsung, just three days before Samsung’s major device launch event. The court filing confirmed the lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney later commented on social media that the company is "grateful that Samsung will address Epic's concerns," though no specific policy changes were announced.

What Samsung may have agreed to remains unclear. Possibilities include offering a way to whitelist trusted third-party app stores, modifying Auto Blocker’s default settings, or better transparency in app source validation.

Samsung has yet to release an official statement.

 

What's next?

The timing of the settlement has drawn attention, especially with new Galaxy devices expected to be unveiled during the Unpacked event on 10 July 2025.

Some speculate that Samsung could use the event to highlight increased openness in its app ecosystem or even announce a partnership involving the Epic Games Store.

Meanwhile, Epic’s broader antitrust battle against Google continues. In December 2023, a U.S. jury ruled in Epic’s favor, stating that Google engaged in anticompetitive practices by restricting third-party app stores and billing systems.

That ruling is under appeal, but Epic is actively working to get its store preloaded or made accessible on more Android devices globally.

 

Implications for Android Users and Developers

  • Samsung Galaxy users may soon see fewer restrictions when installing apps from third-party sources.
  • Developers may gain more freedom to distribute apps outside of Google Play Store and Samsung’s Galaxy Store.
  • The timing of this settlement hints at a potential shift in how Samsung balances security and app ecosystem openness.


Could this settlement signal a more developer-friendly Android experience on Samsung devices? Will future Galaxy smartphones in Malaysia offer easier access to the Epic Games Store and other third-party apps?

 

Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates.