The fight continues
Google is fighting tooth and nail to keep the Play Store blocked, which it claims benefits Android users who expect a streamlined and secure app ecosystem. Several weeks ago, the company asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the ruling's alleged negative impact, asking that the lower court's ruling be frozen while it prepares a final appeal.
SCOTUS ultimately upheld the ruling, but Google has now asked the high court to hear its appeal in its entirety. The company will try to reverse the original decision, which may return everything to its original state. Since Google insists it's only providing this modicum of extra freedom as long as the district court's order lasts, developers could face some trouble if the company succeeds.
It is unknown whether the high court will hear the case and whether it will save Google from complying with the next phase of Judge Donato's ruling. This includes mirroring Play Store content to third-party app stores and distributing those stores within the Play Store. Because these are more complex technical requirements, Google has 10 months from the date of the final decision to comply. Thus, the deadline is July 2026.
If the Supreme Court decides to hear the case, there likely won't be any controversy for at least a year. Google may try to push back the summer 2026 deadline while it considers the case. Even if she loses, the effect may be somewhat dulled. Google plans developer verification system will force all developers, even those who distribute outside the Play Store, to verify their identity with Google and pay a processing fee. Apps from unverified developers won't be able to be installed on Google-certified Android devices for years to come, no matter where you get them. The system, which is said to be designed to keep users safe, will also give Google more control over the Android app ecosystem as the Play Store loses its special status.
