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Google Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Halt App Store Ruling in Epic Games Case

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Google has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block parts of an injunction that would force sweeping changes to its Play Store, as it prepares to appeal its antitrust loss to “Fortnite” maker Epic Games.

In a filing submitted late Wednesday, Google argued that the lower court order is “unprecedented” and would cause reputational harm, safety and security risks, while putting it at a competitive disadvantage.

Epic sued Google in 2020, claiming it monopolized app distribution and in-app payments on Android devices in violation of U.S. antitrust law. A jury sided with Epic in 2023, and Judge James Donato issued an injunction requiring Google to:

  • allow rival app stores inside the Play Store,

  • make its app catalog available to competitors, and

  • let developers add external links in apps so users can bypass Google’s billing system.

Google said the changes would affect over 100 million U.S. Android users and 500,000 developers, asking the Supreme Court to decide by October 17 whether to pause the order. The company plans to file its full appeal by October 27, setting up the possibility for the justices to review the case in their new term beginning October 6.

Epic dismissed Google’s arguments, saying it was using “flawed security claims” to maintain control over Android. “The court’s injunction should go into effect as ordered so consumers and developers can benefit from competition, choices and lower prices,” Epic said.

Earlier this year, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the injunction, noting evidence that Google’s conduct had entrenched its dominance. The full 9th Circuit later declined to revisit the case.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney praised the ruling, saying developers and users would benefit from more openness in the Android ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Google continues to face other lawsuits from regulators, consumers, and businesses over its search and advertising practices, further intensifying its antitrust battles.

Dutch Court Confirms Apple Abused Dominant Market Position in Dating App Case

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A Dutch court has upheld a 2021 ruling by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), confirming that Apple abused its dominant position in the dating app market through restrictive practices imposed via its App Store.

The Rotterdam District Court ruled that Apple was unfairly forcing dating app developers to use its in-app payment system, prohibiting references to alternative payment methods, and charging up to 30% commission (or **15% for smaller developers). These practices, according to the court, violated EU antitrust regulations.

In 2021, ACM had fined Apple €50 million ($58 million) for failing to comply with its order to change these app store policies. Monday’s court decision affirms that the regulator was justified in both its assessment and the penalties it imposed.

Apple announced it will appeal the ruling, defending its policies as protective of user privacy and security. “This ruling undermines the technology and tools we’ve created to benefit developers and protect users’ privacy and security, and we plan to appeal,” an Apple spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.

The case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of Apple’s App Store rules, which have come under fire in several jurisdictions for being anti-competitive. It also adds to the pressure from EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is designed to open digital markets and limit the control of dominant platforms.

Apple Loses Appeal to Delay App Store Antitrust Reforms in Epic Games Case

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Apple has failed in its latest attempt to delay a U.S. court order requiring changes to its App Store practices, marking a significant setback in its long-running legal battle with Epic Games. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday rejected Apple’s request to pause enforcement of parts of the federal judge’s injunction while it pursues further appeals.

The case stems from Epic Games’ 2020 lawsuit challenging Apple’s control over its iOS App Store and in-app payment system. Epic argued that Apple’s policies stifle competition and allow it to collect excessive fees from app developers.

Court Orders Apple to Open App Store to More Competition

In April, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt of her previous injunction and ordered the company to immediately cease several business practices that restricted developers’ ability to direct users to alternative payment options. Among the practices targeted was Apple’s introduction of a 27% fee on developers who facilitate payments outside of the App Store—a fee the judge said was an attempt to sidestep the original injunction.

Additionally, the court barred Apple from restricting where app developers can place links or buttons that lead users to external purchasing platforms.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the appeals court decision on social media, stating that the “long national nightmare of the Apple tax is ended.”

Apple Argues for Business Control, Epic Sees New Competition

In its emergency appeal, Apple argued that the ruling strips it of control over “core aspects of its business operations” and unfairly compels the company to give developers free access to its platform services. Apple also expressed disappointment at the appeals court decision but vowed to continue its legal battle.

Epic Games countered that Apple’s actions were aimed at preserving its dominance and maintaining revenue streams that the court had ruled were anti-competitive. Epic claimed that since the injunction was issued, many developers have already introduced better payment systems, improved deals, and expanded choices for consumers, increasing genuine competition on iOS.

Ongoing Legal Risks for Apple

This latest ruling leaves Apple exposed to continued legal and regulatory scrutiny. Judge Gonzalez Rogers previously accused Apple of misleading the court about its compliance efforts and referred both Apple and one of its executives to federal prosecutors for potential criminal contempt charges.

While Apple won most aspects of the original lawsuit in 2021, Gonzalez Rogers did rule that the company must allow developers to inform users about alternative payment options outside of Apple’s in-app purchase system.

The outcome of Apple’s ongoing appeal will likely have significant implications for the future of digital marketplaces and the company’s multibillion-dollar App Store revenue.