WASHINGTON, Oct 6 – The U.S Supreme Court on Monday refused to halt major parts of a lower court order requiring Google, the parent company of Alphabet (GOOGL.O), to make substantial changes to its Google Play app store, marking a key development in the ongoing legal battle with “Fortnite” creator Epic Games.
Google had requested the Supreme Court to temporarily suspend portions of an injunction issued by U.S. District Judge James Donato, which mandates the company to alter how Android users access apps and make in-app payments. The company argued that the changes could cause significant security risks, reputational harm, and competitive disadvantages if implemented immediately. However, the Supreme Court’s decision allows the order to move forward while Google continues its appeal.
The injunction, initially issued in 2024, requires Google to open its Play store to rival app stores, giving Android users the ability to download apps from sources outside of Google’s platform. Additionally, Google must make its catalog of apps available to competitors, promoting broader access to its ecosystem. While most provisions of the injunction are not set to take effect until July 2026, the requirement that developers can include external payment links within apps will begin later this month. This means users will be able to bypass Google’s billing system, a change that has significant implications for app developers and consumers alike.
In a statement, Google expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s ruling, emphasizing its concerns over potential safety risks and the impact on its business model. The company reiterated its commitment to continue the appeal process, noting that it plans to file a comprehensive appeal to the Supreme Court by October 27. This filing could allow the justices to review the case during their current nine-month term. Google also warned that the changes could affect more than 100 million U.S. Android users and over 500,000 app developers, highlighting the scale of the potential disruption.
Epic Games, on the other hand, hailed the Supreme Court’s decision as a victory for both consumers and developers. Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, announced on social media platform X that starting later this month, app developers will have the legal right to guide Google Play users to alternative payment options without incurring fees or other restrictions. Sweeney described the ruling as a long-awaited step toward fostering competition and reducing friction in the app ecosystem.
The origins of this legal battle date back to 2020, when Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming that the company’s restrictions on app downloads and in-app payment systems violated antitrust laws. Epic argued that Google’s control over Android devices and its billing infrastructure created an unfair monopoly, limiting choice for consumers and developers. A jury trial in San Francisco in 2023 largely sided with Epic, and Judge Donato’s injunction followed, laying out sweeping reforms to Google’s Play store practices.
Google has consistently defended its policies, calling the order unprecedented and asserting that it could compromise the security of Android devices. The company has argued that external app stores could expose users to malware or other cyber threats, while also challenging the financial impact of allowing developers to bypass its billing system. Nevertheless, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Donato’s injunction in July, stating that the evidence presented by Epic clearly demonstrated that Google’s conduct entrenched its dominance in the market.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond the Google-Epic dispute. Industry experts suggest that the decision could reshape the app marketplace, creating new opportunities for competitors while potentially lowering costs for consumers. By requiring Google to permit alternative payment methods and app stores, the court aims to promote innovation, improve competition, and prevent monopolistic practices in the rapidly growing digital economy.
This case also highlights broader scrutiny of Google’s business practices. The company currently faces multiple lawsuits from government agencies, consumers, and commercial entities, challenging its dominance in search, advertising, and other areas of its operations. Regulators and plaintiffs argue that Google’s market power has allowed it to restrict competition, maintain high fees, and control the flow of digital commerce. The ongoing legal proceedings against the company could set significant precedents for antitrust enforcement in the tech sector.
While Google prepares its next appeal, developers and users are closely monitoring the situation. If the injunction’s provisions regarding external payment links take effect later this month, it could fundamentally change how Android users make purchases in apps, potentially affecting millions of transactions and redefining app store economics. Developers may benefit from increased flexibility and reduced fees, while consumers could see lower costs and more choices.
As the legal saga continues, the Supreme Court’s refusal to block key parts of Judge Donato’s order underscores the judiciary’s willingness to hold major technology companies accountable for anti-competitive behavior. Google’s ultimate appeal could reach the Supreme Court in the coming months, but for now, the path toward increased competition in the Android ecosystem is moving forward.