In a significant shift for Android app developers, Google has announced an increase in the maximum price that can be charged for apps and subscriptions on the Google Play Store. Developers can now set prices up to ,999.99, which is approximately Rs 4 lakh in India. This change, first hinted at during the Google I/O 2024 event, is now being implemented, marking a substantial leap from the previous limit of 9.99.
The latest adjustment is particularly noteworthy as it quadruples the maximum price developers can charge, a move that reflects the evolving landscape of app monetization. However, this new pricing structure comes with specific stipulations designed to maintain quality and compliance within the platform.
Not everyone is allowed
While the prospect of higher pricing may seem enticing, developers should be aware that not all will have access to this expanded limit. Google has established stringent criteria to determine eligibility for the new pricing structure. To qualify, developers must meet the following requirements:
- Active account with compliant apps: Developers must maintain a Google Play account in good standing, free from any policy violations.
- Policy compliance: All applications and business practices must adhere to the Google Play Developer Programme policies.
- Proven earnings: Developers must demonstrate that they have generated over million in revenue on the Play Store within the past year.
For those who meet these criteria, a formal request can be submitted through a designated form. This submission will require details such as the Google Play Developer Account ID, the package names of the specific apps for which the price increase is being requested, and a comprehensive justification for the need for a higher price limit.
Importantly, this new pricing cap applies not only to standalone app purchases but also extends to in-app purchases and subscriptions. This means that high-end tools, services, and enterprise-level applications can leverage this pricing flexibility, provided they successfully navigate Google’s eligibility checks.
While the pricing increase is applicable across various countries in their local currencies, South Korea stands out as an exception. Due to local regulations or policy decisions, the price cap in that region remains limited to the previous threshold of 0 or its local equivalent.
