In a significant move following its recent legal challenges, Google has put forth a proposal aimed at revamping the Play Store. This initiative comes in the wake of the company’s defeat in its court case against Epic Games, and it promises to introduce a range of changes designed to enhance user experience and support for third-party app stores.
Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, announced that the company has officially filed a set of proposed modifications to both Android and Google Play. These changes are set to be discussed with the presiding judge on November 6. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, has lauded the proposal as an “awesome” and “comprehensive solution,” highlighting its stark contrast to Apple’s restrictive approach towards competing app stores.
Key Elements of Google’s Proposal
According to reports from Reuters, the proposal includes several noteworthy adjustments:
- Users will find it easier to download and install third-party app stores, enhancing the overall accessibility of alternative platforms.
- The Play Store fees will undergo a transformation, introducing a tiered “service fee” structure: a 9% fee for general purchases, including subscriptions, and a 20% fee for transactions that provide a significant gameplay advantage.
- For developers, Google Play Billing fees will decrease to 5% for the first million in annual revenue, a reduction from the current 15%, before reverting to a 30% rate for additional earnings.
- Apps will now be permitted to display alternative payment options alongside Google Play Billing, offering users more flexibility in their purchasing decisions.
- With the upcoming major Android release, users will be able to install a Registered App Store directly from a website with a simplified installation process. This feature will remain available until at least June 30, 2032.
While the proposal introduces these changes, it also maintains certain restrictions. Google will still be unable to negotiate exclusive deals for Play Store access or pre-installation, and developers will have the freedom to communicate pricing options to users outside the Play Store. These stipulations took effect last week, marking a new chapter in the ongoing evolution of app distribution.
If accepted, Google’s proposal could bring a resolution to the protracted legal disputes that have unfolded since 2020, signaling a potential shift in the dynamics of app store operations and developer relations.
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