Google Eases Rules for the Play Store: Will Apps Soon Be Cheaper?
Starting at the end of June, app developers will be allowed to direct users to external payment methods. What changes for app developers and users?
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Starting at the end of June, app developers will be allowed to direct users to external payment methods. What changes for app developers and users?
Until now, developers had to use Google's payment system if they wanted to sell apps and subscriptions in the Play Store. As of June 30, this will change: Google allows app developers to redirect to external payment methods or their own websites. The new rules initially apply to the USA, the European Economic Area, and the UK. The company published the specific conditions in the Android Developer Blog. Google had already announced the fundamental changes in March 2026. Now the details are available.
Google will charge a service fee of 10 percent on the first 1 million US dollars in annual revenue—regardless of which payment system developers use. Those who use Google's own payment system will pay an additional processing fee of 5 percent. This additional fee is waived for transactions through alternative payment systems or links to the developer's own website. For apps with annual revenues exceeding 1 million US dollars, the fees are 20 percent for new in-app purchases on new installations. For subscriptions, it remains at 10 percent.
Play Store: Epic Games Forces Opening
The changes stem from an antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games against Google in 2020. A jury ruled in favor of Epic on all counts in 2023. In November 2025, Google and Epic agreed on global changes for Android. Although the relevant court has not yet confirmed the agreement, Google is already implementing it.
Starting September 30, 2026, Google will also launch two new programs with reduced fees. The revised "Games Level Up" program targets game developers, while the new "Apps Experience" program is aimed at app developers. Developers whose apps run cross-platform on tablets, smart TVs, or Android Auto can qualify. Additional requirements include low crash rates and support for certain Google features such as cloud saves or phishing-resistant sign-in. However, Google plans to roll out the approval of alternative payment methods globally only after September 30, 2027.
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