Google has announced changes to its Android app ecosystem, introducing more billing options, lower developer fees, and a new framework for third-party app stores. The policy overhaul resolves the company’s long-running dispute with Epic Games and enables the return of the popular game Fortnite to the Google Play Store worldwide.
The updates mark one of the most significant shifts in Google’s app store business model in recent years. The company said the changes are designed to increase competition, provide developers with greater flexibility, and give users more choices in how they download apps and make purchases.
Expanded Billing Choices for Developers
Under the new policy, developers on Android will be able to offer their own billing systems alongside Google Play’s existing payment infrastructure. App makers will also be allowed to direct users to their own websites for purchases, a move that addresses concerns raised in Epic Games’ 2020 antitrust lawsuit.
The dispute began when Epic Games introduced a direct payment system in Fortnite that bypassed Google’s billing platform, triggering the game’s removal from the Play Store and a prolonged legal battle over app distribution rules and developer fees.
The two companies reached a settlement in a U.S. court in November, paving the way for Fortnite’s return to the Play Store in December, Reuters news report said.
Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, in a blog post said the policy changes are intended to strengthen the Android platform’s openness.
“This gives app stores more ways to reach users and gives users more ways to easily and safely access the apps and games they love,” Sameer Samat said.
Easier Access to Third-Party App Stores
Google is also launching a new Registered App Stores program aimed at simplifying the installation of third-party app stores on Android devices.
The program will create a streamlined installation process for app stores that meet Google’s quality and safety benchmarks. Developers operating independent app stores can register with Google, allowing users to sideload these stores more easily while maintaining security protections.
The feature will initially roll out outside the United States and will be introduced in the country later, subject to court approval.
Lower Fees and New Developer Programs
Alongside billing flexibility, Google is reducing service fees for developers using Google Play.
The updated pricing structure separates billing fees from service fees. Developers who continue to use Google Play’s billing system will pay a market-specific billing fee of about 5 percent in regions including the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
For in-app purchases, Google will lower the service fee to 20 percent for new app installs. Developers participating in the company’s Apps Experience Program or the revamped Google Play Games Level Up program can access even lower rates.
In these programs, developers will pay a 20 percent fee for transactions from existing installs and a 15 percent fee for purchases from new installs. Recurring subscription transactions will carry a 10 percent service fee.
Gradual Global Rollout
Google said the policy changes will roll out in phases across regions.
The new billing and fee structures will begin launching by June 30 in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Australia will follow by September, while South Korea and Japan will receive the updates by December.
The remaining global markets will see the changes implemented by September 2027.
Google said the overhaul represents a major evolution of its Android ecosystem, which powers billions of devices globally. The company expects the new policies to encourage stronger developer participation, expand app distribution channels, and improve the availability of high-quality apps and games across Android platforms.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH