On October 6, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to block key parts of a lower court’s injunction in Epic Games v. Google, a landmark decision that will force Google to make sweeping reforms to its Play Store.

The refusal means that Google must now comply with the orders first issued by Judge James Donato, including allowing developers to link to alternative payment options and, in time, opening Android to competing app stores. The first phase of these changes will go into effect on October 29, 2025.

What the Supreme Court’s Decision Means

The Court’s decision effectively clears the final hurdle for enforcement of the Ninth Circuit’s earlier ruling, which found Google’s app store policies anticompetitive.

Here’s what this means for developers in practical terms:

1. Developers Can Add External Payment Links Starting October 29

Beginning later this month, developers in the United States will legally be allowed to include link-outs from their Play-distributed apps to alternative payment flows—such as web checkouts, loyalty-integrated web shops, or other third-party payment providers.

These link-outs must be frictionless and free from deterrents like “scare screens” or redirects, marking the first time Android developers can openly direct players to buy outside of Google Play.

‍2. Google Play Billing is No Longer Mandatory

Developers will soon be able to process payments using any rails they choose, ending the long-standing requirement to use Google’s billing system and pay its 30% fee.

This change opens the door to true ownership of player relationships and revenue, something iOS developers have only recently begun to experience through similar reforms.

3. Alternative App Stores Are Coming

While the link-out provisions take effect this month, the broader requirement that Google allow competing app stores on its platform will come into force in July 2026. This will usher in an era of genuine competition and flexibility in app distribution.

What Developers Should Do Now

The timeline for compliance is short, and the opportunity is massive. Studios that act quickly will be able to capture first-mover advantages as Android opens up for direct-to-consumer commerce.

Here’s where to start:

Implement link-outs for Android users

Add in-app prompts that guide U.S. players to your web shop or alternative checkout using Stash Pay. Our in-game checkout solution is fully compliant with Android’s new policies and preserves session continuity, so players never leave your game. Stash Pay delivers a fast, frictionless purchase flow that feels native and unlocks the ability to reward loyalty and track spend across platforms.

Evaluate native payment options

Plan for direct payment integrations that bypass Google Play Billing. With Stash as your Merchant of Record, we handle the complexity - payments, tax, fraud, and compliance - so you can focus on building exceptional player experiences. You keep control of pricing, offers and player data while we manage the operational and financial backend.

Design for player experience

Seamless, secure, mobile-native checkout flows are key to adoption. Stash Pay has been optimized and tested across iOS implementations with 90%+ conversion rates, ensuring your Android players get the same high-quality experience from Day 1.

Prepare for October 29

Developers who move now can launch on Day 1 with a compliant, high-performing link-out flow The sooner you integrate, the faster you’ll capture early D2C revenue while competitors wait on the sidelines.

Why This Moment Matters

This ruling doesn’t just alter Google’s policies; it changes the balance of power between developers and platforms. For the first time, studios can build Android experiences that give them full control over pricing, loyalty, and user data without sacrificing compliance or UX.

At Stash, we’ve already helped leading game studios implement Stash Pay on iOS, where they’re seeing 90%+ conversion rates on direct payment flows.

Now, we’re extending that same capability to Android.

Be among the first to market with a native, player-first checkout experience that’s fully compliant and ready for launch on October 29.

👉 Talk to Stash about launching Stash Pay for Android