Regarding the recent Google requestSuspension of relevant injunctions, and sought a full review. The U.S. Supreme Court earlier rejected the relevant application, which means that Google must adjust the operating regulations of the Google Play Store before October 22, and allow developers to guide users to use payment systems other than those used by the Google Play Store. At the same time, it must also allow external payment and download links to be placed inside and outside the App.
This ruling may reshape the business model of the Android app market and also symbolizes a key step in Epic Games' legal battle against technology giants.
Epic Games lawsuit continues, forcing Google to loosen its app sales ecosystem
The incident dates back to 2020, when Epic Games accused Google of abusing its monopoly in the Android market by forcing developers to use its built-in payment system and charging high commissions, which clearly violated US antitrust laws. In December 2023, a federal jury ruled that Epic GamesWin the case, believing that Google's actions had an unfair impact on developers, Google subsequently appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in July this year, but was still rejected.
Google had originally planned to formally appeal the injunction to the U.S. Supreme Court on October 27th, seeking a stay of execution to avoid being forced to revise its Google Play Store policies. However, the Supreme Court earlier rejected Google's application and upheld the original ruling.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney later said on social media: "Starting October 22nd, US developers will be able to legally direct Google Play Store users to use external payment systems without being subject to platform fees, warning screens, or additional barriers."
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! https://t.co/yO1g1NqXt3 pic.twitter.com/S64YvQLyYM
- Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) October 6, 2025
Google must comprehensively adjust its Android app distribution mechanism
According to the court order, Google must complete several major adjustments within October, including the following:
• Developers are allowed to use their own or third-party payment systems and are no longer allowed to charge platform fees.
• The application can directly provide external download links, allowing users to install applications that are not distributed by the Google Play Store.
• It is prohibited to sign "Google Play Store exclusive pre-load" contracts with telecom operators and mobile phone brands.
• Allow users to download other app store services directly from the Google Play Store, or open up the Google Play Store’s app catalog to competitors before July 2026.
This means that the Android ecosystem will move towards a more open multiple app store architecture, where developers can freely promote and sell apps without relying on Google channels.
The tug-of-war between security and openness
Google spokesman Dan Jackson later responded, saying: "Android offers far more choices to users and developers than any other mobile operating system. The court's order could weaken users' ability to download apps safely." He also emphasized that although Google is disappointed with the ruling, it will continue to advance the appeal process.
It's widely believed that this ruling will not only directly impact Google, but also potentially impact the service platform business models of companies like Apple and Amazon. For developers, the relaxation of Google Play Store regulations will mean greater revenue autonomy and market choice, but for Google, it presents a long-term battle to balance security, openness, and revenue.
Overall, the US Supreme Court's refusal to intervene officially validates Epic Games' victory, forcing Google to re-find the balance between openness and control. This represents not only a shift in the system for commercial platforms but also the beginning of a trend toward "de-platforming" in the global mobile app market.
