The Supreme Court didn’t save Google from Epic, and now the clock is ticking for one of the most high-stakes tech battles of the decade. After years of legal wrangling, Google is now racing against time to comply with a court order that could reshape how Android apps operate — and how developers get paid.
In August, Google was granted a short reprieve after Epic Games won its antitrust case for the second time. The Ninth Circuit briefly paused enforcement of the ruling, allowing Google a few extra weeks to breathe. But that grace period is officially over.
The Supreme Court Denies Google’s Request For A Stay
This week, the Supreme Court denied Google’s request for a partial stay, effectively keeping the permanent injunction intact. That means Google must now comply with a list of major changes within just over two weeks — or face being in violation of the law.
Here’s what Google is required to do before the October 22nd, 2025 deadline:
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Stop forcing app developers to use Google Play Billing.
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Allow developers to inform users about alternative payment methods within the Play Store.
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Enable links that let users download apps outside of Google Play.
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Give developers the freedom to set their own prices.
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End exclusive deals or incentives with phone makers, carriers, and app developers tied to Google Play.
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Work with Epic Games to build a fairer system that allows rival app stores to coexist within Google Play.
Epic’s CEO Celebrates A Major Win
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney didn’t waste time marking the moment. “Starting October 22, developers will be legally entitled to steer US Google Play users to out-of-app payments without fees, scare screens, or friction — same as Apple App Store users in the US!” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Supreme Court didn’t save Google from Epic, and that reality now puts Google’s app store dominance under intense scrutiny. This ruling could usher in one of the most significant shifts in how Android developers interact with users — and how much control Google can maintain over its app ecosystem.
What Happens Next For Google?
While Google declined to confirm whether it will immediately remove the Play Billing requirement, spokesperson Dan Jackson told The Verge that the company “will comply with its legal obligations.”
However, Google is still appealing the case to the Supreme Court in hopes of reversing parts of the injunction. That means while compliance is required now, the broader battle over app store control isn’t over yet.
A Ticking Clock For The Android Ecosystem
The decision sets a countdown that could permanently change the Android landscape. Developers, regulators, and users are watching closely to see whether Google follows through — or faces further legal consequences.
With the Supreme Court stepping back, the next few weeks will define whether Google adapts to a more open app ecosystem or risks deeper fallout in its ongoing war with Epic.
In short, the Supreme Court didn’t save Google from Epic, and now the clock is ticking — fast.
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