Google Opens Play Store to Outside Payments, Replacing 30% Fee Worldwide
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Jun 24
Google Opens Play Store to Outside Payments, Replacing 30% Fee Worldwide
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Jun 24
Summary
Google said it will roll out global Play billing changes before final court approval of its Epic settlement, letting developers use outside payments instead of relying solely on Google Play billing.
The old flat 30% commission is being replaced with lower, decoupled fees that vary by install timing, developer revenue and billing choice, with Google charging an extra 5% if developers use its billing system.
For apps earning more than $1 million a year, Google set rates at 20% for new in-app purchases and 10% for subscriptions, while premium app and game programs can qualify for lower rates on new and existing installs.
June 30 marks the first rollout in the US, EEA and UK, with some other program changes arriving by late September or year-end and broader global expansion continuing through Sept. 30, 2027.
The overhaul stems from Epic's 2020 antitrust case accusing Google of monopolizing Android app distribution and blocking developers from steering users to alternative payment systems.