Google Wins Temporary Stay: Android App Store Rules Unchanged

Google has received a small but crucial win in its ongoing legal battle with Epic. A judge has temporarily halted an order that would have forced Google to open its Android app store to competitors. This means Google might avoid making any changes to the Play Store for years, possibly indefinitely, while it appeals a verdict declaring the store an illegal monopoly. The judge, James Donato, granted Google a temporary administrative stay, except for one part of the ruling. Starting in 2024, Google won't be allowed to prevent other app stores from being preinstalled on devices in exchange for money or benefits.Google argued it needed more time to make these changes, similar to the 90 days given to Apple. If the stay is extended, it could delay significant changes, including letting other app stores into the Play Store and allowing developers to use alternative payment systems. This delay could affect consumer experiences, with plans like Microsoft's to let users buy games in the Xbox Android app and Epic's plan to bring its game store to Google Play potentially postponed. Google expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that the remedies demanded by Epic could threaten the Play Store's safety and security. Epic has chosen not to comment.