Google Seeks Supreme Court Intervention to Halt App Store Ruling

Google (GOOGL) has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to pause a lower court ruling mandating significant changes to its app store operations. The September decision requires Google to cease enforcing its Google Play Billing system and allow developers to link to external payment methods, set independent pricing, and offer alternative app distribution channels. The tech giant faces an October deadline unless the Supreme Court intervenes.

Google contends the ruling is "unprecedented," warning of systemic Android restructuring that could compromise user security. The company argues it WOULD be forced to support competitor offerings against its business interests. This legal battle stems from Epic Games' 2020 antitrust lawsuit over Fortnite's distribution, marking another chapter in Big Tech's regulatory reckoning.