March 5, 2026, 1:15 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Google is fundamentally revamping its Play Store. With new payment options, lower fees, and a program for alternative app stores, the company is responding to changing market conditions–and to a previous dispute with Epic Games.
The core of the change is the expanded payment options for in-app purchases. Developers will soon be able to use their own payment systems within their apps in addition to the in-house billing system. Alternatively, they can redirect users to external websites for purchases.
Google aligns with Apple
The goal is to create more flexibility while ensuring user security. The changes affect not only buyers but also mobile developers who distribute their applications via Google Play. This significantly loosens Google’s previously stricter payment processing guidelines and aligns it with Apple.
The company known for its iPhone has allowed alternative payment options in the App Store for some time, with the transition occurring gradually. In the Netherlands, Apple first allowed dating apps to use external payment systems in early 2022. In South Korea, a 2022 opening for third-party payments followed due to legal requirements. For developers in the European Union, Apple introduced the option to use alternative payment methods within apps and external links in March 2024 as a result of the Digital Markets Act. In the U.S., Apple also allowed certain apps to provide limited indications of external purchase options following court decisions.
New program for alternative app stores
Google is also opening up and launching an additional program for registered app stores. The so-called “Registered App Stores” program is intended to simplify sideloading–the installation of app stores outside the Play Store.
App stores that meet certain quality and security standards can register. This simplifies the installation process of such alternative marketplaces for users. Providers who do not participate will retain the previous installation process, which applies to all externally loaded apps.
The program is initially set to launch outside the U.S., where Google is headquartered. An introduction in the United States is planned but is subject to court approval. The official launch is planned with a new version of a major Android release by the end of the year.
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New fee structure and staggered start
At the same time, Google is changing its business model. In the future, fees for using the Play Store billing system will be charged separately from service fees.
For developers using the Google billing system, a market-specific fee will apply. In the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and the U.S., this fee is five percent. The service fee for in-app purchases for new installations–that is, when an app is first installed after the introduction of the new regulation in a region–will drop to 20 percent.
Developers participating in the new “Apps Experience Program” or the revised “Google Play Games Level Up” program will receive further discounts. For existing installations, the service fee remains at 20 percent, while for new installations, it drops to 15 percent. For recurring subscriptions, the service fee will be 10 percent.
The introduction will be staggered: By June 30, the changes will take effect in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. Australia will follow by September 30, and Korea and Japan by December 31. The rest of the world will receive the changes by September 30, 2027. The new support programs will start by September 30 in the initially mentioned regions and will then also be gradually expanded.
Dispute with Epic Games settled
As part of the reforms, Google has also settled its global disputes with Epic Games, according to its own statements. These disputes arose due to the Play Store’s commission rules. In 2020, Epic integrated its own payment system into its game “Fortnite” to bypass the commissions charged by Google. Google then removed the game from the Play Store, prompting Epic to file a lawsuit. A similar situation occurred with Apple, against which Epic also took action.
Read more: Fortnite removed from App Store: Epic sues Apple and Google
The case centered on Google’s market power and the mandatory use of its in-house billing system. At the end of 2023, a jury in the U.S. ruled in favor of Epic Games. Google announced plans to appeal the verdict.