Google wins delay in Epic Games’ legal battle over Play Store changes

Google just won a small victory in its legal battle with Epic Games.

Last week, Google asked Judge James Donato to push back a deadline requiring changes to its Android app store by November 1st.

Today the judge agreed to give Google a temporary break in most parts of his ruling.

This means Google may not have to change its Play Store rules for a long time while it appeals the decision.

In December, a jury declared that Google’s Play Store was an illegal monopoly, but Google is appealing that decision.

The temporary delay gives Google more time while the appeals court decides whether it should take a longer pause.

Judge Donato believes the appeals court is likely to agree, which could allow Google to avoid changes until after the appeal.

However, one rule still applies: From November 1, 2024, Google will no longer be allowed to enter into deals that block the installation of other app stores if they pay for it.

If the original deadline had remained, developers could have stopped using Google’s payment system soon.

Google also wouldn’t be able to provide money or perks to allow developers to use its store. It would also have had to allow other app stores in its Play Store.

The judge originally gave Google less than a month to begin making changes, but now they have more time.

If it hadn’t been for the delay, some changes could have started immediately.

For example, Microsoft planned to let people buy and play games on the Xbox Android app, and Epic planned to bring its store to Google Play next year. However, if the appeals court doesn’t say no, it could take years for these changes to be implemented.