Epic Games Victory: Supreme Court Denies Google’s Appeal, Forcing Play Store Policy Overhaul by Oct 22
Ddos 
In response to Google’s recent request to postpone enforcement of the injunction and seek a comprehensive review, the U.S. Supreme Court has formally denied the company’s appeal, meaning that Google must, by October 22, revise its Google Play Store policies. The company will be required to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment systems outside the Play Store and to enable both in-app and external links for third-party payment and app downloads.
This ruling could fundamentally reshape the operating model of the Android app marketplace, marking a decisive victory for Epic Games in its long-running legal battle against one of the world’s largest technology giants.
The dispute dates back to 2020, when Epic Games accused Google of abusing its monopoly power in the Android ecosystem by forcing developers to use its proprietary billing system and by imposing exorbitant revenue-sharing fees, in violation of U.S. antitrust laws. In December 2023, a federal jury ruled in Epic’s favor, finding that Google’s conduct unfairly harmed developers. Google appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2024, but its appeal was rejected.
Google had planned to submit a formal appeal to the Supreme Court on October 27, accompanied by a request to suspend the injunction and delay mandatory changes to its Play Store policies. However, the Court declined the motion, leaving the lower court’s ruling fully in force.
Following the decision, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney stated on social media:
“The Supreme Court has thrown out Google’s stay request. Starting October 22, developers will be legally entitled to steer US Google Play users to out-of-app payments without fees, scare screens, and friction – same as Apple App Store users in the US!”
Under the court order, Google must implement several major policy changes within October, including:
- Allowing developers to use their own or third-party payment systems, without imposing platform service fees.
- Permitting direct external download links, enabling users to install apps distributed outside the Play Store.
- Prohibiting exclusive pre-installation agreements between Google and smartphone manufacturers or telecom operators.
- By July 2026, allowing users to download alternative app stores directly within the Play Store or granting competitors access to its app catalog.
This decision paves the way for a more open, multi-store Android ecosystem, empowering developers to promote and sell their apps independently of Google’s distribution channels.
Google spokesperson Dan Jackson responded, stating:
“Android already offers users and developers more choice than any other mobile operating system. The court’s order risks undermining users’ ability to safely download apps.”
He added that while Google was disappointed by the ruling, the company intends to continue pursuing its appeal.
Industry analysts believe the ruling will have far-reaching implications, not only for Google but also for Apple, Amazon, and other digital platform operators. For developers, the easing of Google Play Store restrictions represents greater autonomy and revenue freedom, while for Google, it signals the beginning of a long-term battle to balance security, openness, and profitability.
In essence, the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene solidifies Epic Games’ landmark victory, forcing Google to re-evaluate its control over the Android ecosystem. The ruling is not merely a shift in platform policy — it may well mark the dawn of a global “deplatformization” movement in the mobile app economy.
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