Google has been dealt a major blow in its ongoing battle with Epic Games after the US Supreme Court rejected its appeal to pause a sweeping court order forcing major changes to the Play Store.

The decision upholds lower court rulings from 2023 and 2024 that found Google guilty of violating antitrust laws by monopolising app distribution and payments on Android devices.

The company must now comply with the injunction, set to take effect from October 22, which compels it to open up the Play Store to greater competition.

Under the order, developers will be allowed to use alternative billing systems and link users to external payment methods, bypassing Google’s 30% commission.

They will also be able to direct users to download apps outside the Play Store without facing warning screens.

Additionally, Google is banned from paying phone makers or carriers to block rival app stores. It must also ensure third-party app stores can appear within the Play Store by 2026.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said the Supreme Court’s decision is a “historic win for developer freedom and fair competition”.

Google said it was disappointed with the decision, claiming the changes could compromise user safety.

“Android provides more choice for users and developers than any mobile OS,” said Google spokesperson Dan Jackson. “The changes ordered by the US District Court will jeopardise users’ ability to safely download apps. While we’re disappointed the order isn’t stayed, we will continue our appeal.”

The ruling stems from Epic’s 2020 lawsuit accusing Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly through its Play Store practices. A California jury sided with Epic in 2023, triggering a multi-year legal battle that now appears to be nearing its end.

Unless Google’s upcoming Supreme Court appeal succeeds, the Play Store will face its most significant overhaul in history.

The decision comes two months after Australia’s Federal Court found Apple and Google guilty of anti-competitive conduct.