Overview

• The Ninth Circuit upheld the lower court’s 2023 finding that Google illegally maintained a monopoly over Android app distribution and in-app billing.
• The appeals court granted Google a temporary stay on mandated changes—including opening Android to rival app stores and payment systems—until at least August 8.
• Google argues that immediate enforcement of the reforms would compromise user security, restrict developer choice, and slow Android innovation.
• Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney hailed the decision as a total victory and said the Epic Games Store will arrive on Android once the injunction takes effect.
• With enforcement paused, Google plans to seek a longer stay and prepare a possible U.S. Supreme Court appeal while Epic awaits implementation of the court-ordered reforms.