Google Forced to Change Play Store Rules After Epic Court Blow

Google is implementing extensive changes to the operation of its Play Store in the USA, as per a federal court ruling which concluded that the company’s app marketplace functioned like a monopoly. The ruling is part of a legal battle between Google and Epic Games whose end saw the tech firm losing the case to a jury verdict earlier in the year.

To align with the injunction laid down by the U.S. District Court, Google has modified policies relating to app distribution, communication with users, and payment systems. These modifications are set to come into effect on October 29, 2025.

Over the years, Google had an outright prohibition on app developers indirectly directing users to better rates or alternate payment methods outside the Play Store. Thus, the apps on the platform were obliged to use only Google Play Billing which secured Google a cut of every sale.

But now that system is over. Developers can now share with users in the U.S. any information regarding prices, discounts, or download options that are available outside the Play Store.

They are also allowed to set up using third-party payment methods like debit or credit card processors and thus fully avoid Google’s billing system.

Google in its announcement about the compliance measures specified the following:

- Developers may now provide communication about the prices and availability of the apps that are outside of the Play Store.

- Applications can create external links for direct downloads or transactions.

- Google's Play Billing is no longer required for in-app purchases, and the company will not require price adjustments based on the billing system it uses.

Google mentioned that these changes are directly related to the judge's order, which is going to be valid until November 1, 2027. The company might change its strategy after that date depending on what the courts say or what regulations come up.

This duration provides U.S. developers with more than two years to easily control how they sell and promote their apps outside the Play Store.

The revised rules apply solely to the U.S. Play Store, which means that developers in other countries remain under the existing rules. Google has also indicated that there will be “program requirements and business model changes” to be introduced shortly, which are supposed to help keep what they call “user trust and ecosystem safety.”

Some industry watchers think this could lead to further changes— or even new restrictions— that would be similar to how Apple had to alter its App Store rules due to facing similar legal pressure.