The Supreme Court rejected Google’s plea for a stay.
The Supreme Court rejected Google’s plea for a stay.
In August, Google had merely a fortnight to commence opening up Android, and to cease compelling app developers to utilize its payment systems, following Epic Games’ victory in its lawsuit against Google for the second time.
Currently, Google has slightly more than two weeks again — as the US Supreme Court has opted not to intervene for Google prior to its appeal. Today, the Court dismissed the firm’s application for a partial stay, which means the permanent injunction remains in force, and thus Google needs to undertake the following actions this month or risk noncompliance:
- Cease enforcing app developers to utilize Google Play Billing
- Enable Android developers to inform users about alternative payment methods from within the Play Store
- Allow Android developers to link methods for downloading their apps outside of the Play Store
- Authorize developers to establish their own pricing
- Halt revenue sharing or incentives with device manufacturers, carriers, and app developers for Google Play exclusivity or preinstallation
- Engage with Epic to settle any disagreements as Google develops a framework to introduce rival app stores into Google Play
Epic Games has communicated that the date by which Google must comply is now October 22nd, 2025. “Beginning October 22, developers will have the legal right to redirect US Google Play users to external payment options without additional charges, intimidation screens, and barriers – just as Apple App Store users do in the US!” states Epic CEO Tim Sweeney.
Google did not directly disclose to The Verge whether the company now intends to eliminate the Google Play Billing requirement, permit other payment options, and let developers link to app downloads outside the Play Store while it remains engaged in appealing this case to the Supreme Court.
Nonetheless, spokesperson Dan Jackson informed The Verge that the company will adhere to its legal responsibilities, providing the following statement:
“Android offers users and developers more options than any mobile OS, and the directives mandated by the US District Court will threaten users’ ability to safely obtain apps. While we are disappointed that the order remains in effect, we will persist with our appeal.”
Epic has not yet provided a response regarding whether it is currently collaborating with Google on the court-directed Joint Technical Committee to determine how to introduce Google Play apps into competing app stores without compromising safety.
Google has indicated that it will fully petition the Supreme Court for certiorari by October 27th, 2025 — but that would come after the deadline. The district court judge who initially issued the injunction, Judge James Donato, had previously requested Google and Epic to clarify how they plan to conform to it in his courtroom on October 30th.
There remains a possibility that the Supreme Court may take up the case even after Google’s deadline has lapsed.
