Supreme Court Fails to Save Google from Epic: Deadlines Expire

The Supreme Court of the United States denied Google a partial stay of the ruling in the Epic Games case, leaving in place a ban that restricts the company in certain actions regarding the app store. From this point forward, Google is required to meet a number of demands within this month to avoid legal violations. In particular, the company must stop forcing developers to use Google Play Billing for in-app payments, allow them to inform users about alternative payment methods within the Play Store, and also provide links for downloading apps outside of the store. Additionally, developers have the right to set their own prices and must cease exchanging money or privileges with phone manufacturers, operators, and other developers for exclusivity or pre-installation of apps.

Epic Games states that the deadline for meeting the requirements is October 22, 2025. Accordingly, from this date, developers will be able to legally direct users in the U.S. to make payments outside the app without commissions, pop-ups, and other obstacles. This is similar to the situation with the Apple App Store in the U.S., noted CEO of Epic, Tim Sweeney. Google representative Dan Jackson stated that the company will comply with its legal obligations but will continue its appeal. At the same time, Google is currently not disclosing whether it plans to cancel the requirements for using Google Play Billing or allow payments and links outside the store.

Judge James Donato, who initially issued the ban, has invited Google and Epic to explain how they will comply with the ruling during the hearing on October 30. Google plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court by October 27, 2025, but this deadline comes after the established compliance date. There is a possibility that the Supreme Court will consider the case even after the deadline has passed. This ruling has a significant impact on the app market, the rights of developers, and Android users in the U.S.