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 in 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.
- Developers can link to ways to download apps outside the Play Store and direct users to external payment options.
- Google can no longer make exclusivity deals with carriers or manufacturers to secure Play preinstallation.
- By July 2026, Google must allow 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 for Epic in December 2023; the Ninth Circuit upheld that ruling in July 2025. Google asked the Supreme Court for a partial stay while it prepares its appeal; the Court declined.
Reactions
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” — see his post on X: https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1711200000000000000
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 can point users to alternative payment methods and app stores, which could lower fees and increase competition — but may also shift 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.