Supreme Court Denies Google’s Request to Pause Play Store Injunction

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined Google’s request for a partial stay of the injunction from the Epic Games case, meaning major changes to the Google Play Store must proceed while Google continues its appeal.

Key points

• Effective Oct 22, U.S. developers will be legally allowed to steer Google Play users to out-of-app payment methods without fees, “scare screens,” or added friction.
• Google must allow developers to link to ways to download apps outside the Play Store and can no longer make exclusivity deals with carriers or manufacturers.
• By July 2026, Google must permit users to download other app stores within Google Play and make Play’s catalog available to competitors.

Background

Epic Games sued Google, alleging an illegal monopoly on app distribution and in-app billing for Android. A federal jury found in favor of Epic in December 2023, and the Ninth Circuit upheld the ruling in July 2025. Google asked the Supreme Court for a partial stay while it prepares to appeal; the Court declined.

Responses

Tim Sweeney (Epic): “Developers will be legally entitled to steer US Google Play users to out-of-app payments without fees, scare screens and friction” — Oct 6, 2025. See Tim Sweeney on X

Google: “Android provides more choice for users and developers than any mobile OS, and the changes ordered by the US District Court will jeopardize users’ ability to safely download apps,” a Google spokesperson told The Verge.

What this means for users and developers

Expect more payment options and fewer forced in-app billing flows on Android. Developers will be able to direct users to external payment methods and alternative app stores, which could lead to lower fees and more competition — but may also change how app discovery and security are managed.

For more details, see coverage at Engadget: Engadget — Supreme Court denies Google’s request

Originally reported by Engadget. This post was auto-published.