Overview
- Google split fees into a 5% settlement-system charge in the EEA, UK, and U.S. for developers using Google Play billing and separate service fees of 20% for in-app purchases, 15% for new installs under the App Experience Program, and 10% for subscriptions.
- Developers will be able to run their own in-app billing alongside Google’s system and may direct users to complete purchases on their websites.
- Google introduced a registered app store program for third-party stores that meet quality and security standards, with clear permission prompts, while unregistered stores keep current sideloading behavior.
- The company published a regional rollout schedule: EEA, UK, and U.S. starting June 30, 2026; Australia on September 30, 2026; Korea and Japan by December 31, 2026; and remaining regions by September 30, 2027.
- Google said the reforms resolve its five-year global dispute with Epic Games, and Epic CEO Tim Sweeney praised the move as advancing Android’s openness while criticizing Apple for blocking competing stores.