United States time, 29 October, was the deadline by which the court ruled that Google would lift the restrictions imposed by Play’s store, namely that Google should no longer restrict the use of alternative payment systems in Play’s stores in the United States, nor should it have the power to enforce Google Play’s billing system for developers, marking yet another key victory for the law initiated by Epic Gomes.
Although the court injunction applied only to the Google Play store in the United States, it meant that developers could now provide United States users with a wide range of options for purchasing payments in applications. This follows a similar ruling that entered into force in May this year in App Store, United States.Google outlines the current changes on the official page and confirms that the following restrictions will be lifted:Developers should not be prohibited from informing users that access to applications outside Google Play or price information should not prevent developers from using downloading links or trade routes outside the store or from using the Google Play billing system when distributing applications at Play stores or from using other means of payment in applications other than Google Play billing
However, Google stated, inter alia, that the ban would be in effect for a period of two years as prescribed by the United States courts and would expire on 1 November 2027. At the same time, the company predicted that “based on feedback from developers and user communities, we will soon publish more of the plan requirements and business model adjustments aimed at maintaining trust and security in ecosystems”. Core elements of the policy update (based on compliance requirements of 29 October 2025):Open payment options: Open access to the non-Google Play billing system in application: allow for user-led downloads to external platforms and transaction cancellation of pricing bundles Tie: Developer may not be obliged to set a territorial limitation on price based on the use of Google Play ‘ s billing: this change applies only within the United States and for the duration of the court ‘ s order, the policy adjustment covers all restrictions on United States developers in existing payment policies. Google stressed that while following the Court’s SAFE principles, user trust and security had always been at the centre.
