Google will reduce Play Store fees for developers, addressing long-standing concerns about high commissions.
Android will allow easier access to third-party app stores, giving developers and users more choice.
Epic Games settles its dispute with Google, and Fortnite is expected to return to the Play Store soon.
Google is reshaping how its Play Store on Android works as the company is now opening its door wide open for competing app stores. Other than that, the company is also lowering the fees developers pay to put their apps on the Google Play Store. With the recent change the company has addressed the long-standing complaints from the developers and regulators who argued that the company’s app marketplace rules were too restrictive and expensive. Moreover, the changes also follow a long legal fight with Fortnite maker Epic Games. Instead of waiting for a court settlement to be finalised, Google has decided to move ahead with several reforms now.
One of the biggest changes made is a reduction in the 30 per cent service fee Google charges on in-app purchases. Once the changes are implemented, the standard 30 per cent of fees will drop to 20 per cent in most cases, and the developers could pay only 15 per cent for purchases made by users who install an app for the first time. Along with that, the subscription fees on the Google Play Store are also being lowered from 15 per cent to 10 per cent.
Also read: Anthropic CEO criticises OpenAI’s defense deal, questions safety claims
Google is also separating the cost of its billing system from the service fee for distributing apps on the Play Store. Developers in regions such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Economic Area will pay an additional rate starting at 5 per cent if they use Google Play’s billing system. At the same time, developers will be allowed to offer their own payment systems within apps or direct users to their websites to complete purchases.
Another key part of the update is a new ‘Registered App Stores’ programme. Third-party app stores will be able to apply to join the programme if they meet certain safety and quality standards. Approved stores will get a simpler installation process on Android devices and will only need to pay a small one-time registration fee.
Also read: Google faces lawsuit alleging Gemini AI manipulated man into suicide: Here’s what happened
Furthermore, Google said that it will still allow users to sideload other app stores that are not part of the programme, and the only difference when users load apps using those app stores will be that it may involve the usual warnings and extra steps.
The company plans to roll out the new fee structure in phases. According to the current reports, it will begin in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe by June 2026, followed by Australia, Korea, and Japan later in the year. Other regions including India will receive the changes by September 2027.
Also read: ChatGPT Plus users report getting a free month when cancelling subscription
Amid the ongoing lawsuit, Epic Games officially welcomed the update, with CEO Tim Sweeney stating that the reforms finally bring Android to the status of a truly open platform. Consequently, Epic has settled all its worldwide disputes with Google, and Fortnite is confirmed to return to the Play Store globally in the near future. Furthermore, the Epic Games Store is expected to become a Registered App Store on Android, making its installation much simpler for users later in 2026.
