Google seeks Supreme Court block on $161.9 million Android antitrust ruling in India.

Google has appealed to India’s Supreme Court in a final attempt to block an order that could impact the Android ecosystem. The Competition Commission of India fined Google $161.9 million and prohibited the company from requiring OEMs to preinstall Google apps on their phones. The company’s challenge against the ruling was rejected by an appeals tribunal, leading Google to seek relief from the country’s top court. The order would significantly alter Google’s deals with Android manufacturers and allow third-party app stores on Google Play. India’s smartphone market is crucial for Google, with about 97% of phones in the country running on Android.