The US Supreme Court has rejected Google’s appeal seeking a stay on the order requiring major changes to the Google Play Store. The court has mandated that Google implement improvements by October 22nd, aiming to increase competition and curb monopolistic practices.
The ruling calls Google’s 15-30% in-app purchase fees a “digital wall”, labeling them unfair and noting that they prevent billions in potential profits for developers and competitors. This decision marks a significant victory for app developers and competition advocates.
What Changes Are Required?
The court-ordered changes are focused on ensuring fair competition on the Android app ecosystem:
Allow alternative app stores and payment systems on Android devices.
Remove anti-competitive practices that maintain Google’s monopoly on app distribution.
Implement changes by October 22nd, 2025, for apps running on Android in the US.
Judge James Donato stated that Google’s “digital walls” generate billions in profits annually and restrict fair market access for other companies. Google argued that these changes could pose security risks to its 100+ million US users, but the Supreme Court dismissed this claim.
Impact on Google and App Developers
While the Play Store overhaul may impact Google’s app transaction revenues, the company still maintains substantial profits from digital advertising and its search engine. The decision is a major win for developers and competitors, signaling that monopoly practices on digital platforms will not be tolerated.
This order also comes amid other legal battles for Google, with courts previously rejecting motions that could have allowed the company to split its operations to avoid competition laws.
