The US Supreme Court has denied Google’s request to pause Play Store antitrust reforms, forcing the company to open Android devices to rival app stores and alternative payment options.
Google has lost its bid to delay a major antitrust ruling against its Play Store, after the US Supreme Court rejected the company’s request to pause sweeping changes ordered in its legal battle with Epic Games.
The ruling means Google must proceed with reforms that could drastically reshape how app stores operate on Android devices.
The tech giant had asked the court to halt parts of a lower court decision that would force it to allow rival app stores access to its app library and stop blocking the download of competing platforms through Google Play.
It will also be required to permit developers to link users to cheaper, external payment methods for in-app purchases.
Google had argued that the mandated changes could “significantly harm user safety” by exposing users to unverified software and security risks, while also claiming the reforms could “undermine innovation across the Android ecosystem”.
The Supreme Court denied the request without explanation, leaving intact a December 2023 ruling that found Google’s Play Store practices had stifled competition and overcharged developers.
The case, filed by Fortnite studio Epic Games in 2020, accused Google of abusing its dominant market position by imposing high fees and limiting app distribution options.
In a statement, Epic said the decision marks “a historic step toward fairer app markets,” while analysts have described the outcome as a landmark moment for antitrust enforcement in the mobile app economy.
The rejection could have ripple effects beyond Google, increasing pressure on Apple as it faces similar antitrust scrutiny in both the US and Europe.
With the ruling now in effect, Android users are likely to see more app store alternatives and flexible payment options in the months ahead.
Google’s Play Store change appeal denied by US Supreme Court
