Google is facing a new antitrust challenge in the US, with rival app marketplace Aptoide alleging the tech giant has unlawfully monopolised Android app distribution and in-app billing systems.

The Lisbon-based company claims Google has used its dominance to shut out competing app stores, restricting choice for both developers and consumers.

Aptoide argues it could have applied greater competitive pressure on pricing and policies if not for what it described as Google’s “anticompetitive chokehold”.

Aptoide, which focuses heavily on mobile gaming, calls itself the “alternative Android app store” and the world’s third-largest marketplace.

The platform reported more than 200 million annual users and a catalogue of roughly 436,000 apps as of 2024. It says its model offers lower commissions for developers and reduced costs for users, but claims its growth has been stifled by Google steering developers toward Google Play and associated “must-have” services.

The company is seeking an injunction to halt the alleged conduct, as well as triple damages, the amount of which has not been specified.

Google has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit.

The case adds to mounting legal pressure on the Alphabet-owned company. Aptoide previously lodged a complaint with European Union regulators in 2014, highlighting long-running concerns around competition in the Android ecosystem.

More recently, Google agreed to changes to its Android and app store practices as part of a settlement with Epic Games, following a 2023 jury verdict that found the company had unlawfully restricted competition. Court-ordered reforms followed in 2024.

Separately, Google continues to contest a US government antitrust ruling that found its search engine business to be an illegal monopoly, with both sides currently appealing aspects of the decision.