Supreme Court rejects Google's bid to pause Play Store antitrust changes
The US Supreme Court has denied Google's request to freeze upcoming changes to the Google Play Store while the company appeals an antitrust ruling. This decision allows the first phase of remedies, won by Epic Games, to proceed as scheduled. Developers will soon gain more flexibility in app distribution and payments on Android devices.
Google's efforts to maintain its dominance in Android app distribution suffered a setback on October 7, 2025, when the US Supreme Court declined to pause the implementation of antitrust remedies ordered in a case brought by Epic Games. The company had petitioned the high court to halt parts of the ruling pending its appeal, but the justices rejected the request, according to Reuters.
The case stems from Google's 2023 loss in federal court, where US District Judge James Donato found the company guilty of illegally monopolizing Android app distribution. In 2024, Donato mandated sweeping changes to open up the Play Store. Google lost its initial appeal in July 2024, leaving it facing imminent deadlines.
The first phase of changes must begin by October 22, 2025. Google will be required to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment methods and downloads outside the Play Store. It cannot mandate the use of Google Play Billing for in-app purchases within the store and is prohibited from setting prices for developers. More significant reforms are slated for July 2026, including distributing third-party app stores within the Play Store and mirroring Play Store content in external stores.
Google expressed disappointment in a statement: "Android provides more choice for users and developers than any mobile OS, and the changes ordered by the US District Court will jeopardize users’ ability to safely download apps. While we’re disappointed the order isn’t stayed, we will continue our appeal." The company plans to file its full appeal with the Supreme Court later this month, potentially leading to a hearing in the current term and further attempts to pause additional remedies.
This development coincides with Google's rollout of stricter rules for sideloaded apps, including developer verification that requires personal information from devs. By 2027, unverified apps will be uninstallable on most Android devices, a move Google describes as a security measure but which critics see as reinforcing its control over distribution.