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U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Intervene in Epic v. Google, Forcing Major Play Store Changes

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to step into the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Google, leaving in place a lower court ruling that requires Google to open up its Play Store to third-party app stores and payment systems.


The decision, announced Tuesday, marks another significant win for Epic and could reshape how Android users access and pay for apps.


Epic Games logo vs. Google logo; bold text on a white background, suggesting a competitive or confrontational theme.

What the Ruling Means

With the Court’s refusal to grant Google a stay, the company now faces a strict deadline of October 22, 2025, to comply with the injunction. This means developers will soon be able to:

  • Use their own in-app payment systems instead of Google Play Billing.

  • Direct users to out-of-app payment options without facing penalties or “scare screens.”

  • Distribute apps through rival Android app stores.

  • Set their own prices without Google’s restrictions.

  • Avoid fees on products sold outside Google’s ecosystem.


Epic CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the ruling on X, writing: “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!”


Google had petitioned the Supreme Court in late September, arguing that the injunction was an “unprecedented” action that could undermine user safety. While the Court denied the request without explanation, Google spokesperson Dan Jackson told The Verge that the company will comply with its legal obligations but remains concerned about the impact.


“Android provides more choice for users and developers than any mobile OS, and the changes ordered by the U.S. District Court will jeopardize users’ ability to safely download apps,” Jackson said. “While we’re disappointed the order isn’t stayed, we will continue our appeal.”


What Happens Next

The injunction will remain in effect for three years, with some provisions delayed until mid-2026. Google has until October 27, 2025, to file a full appeal with the Supreme Court, though that deadline comes after its compliance date.

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