billing options Archives

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Microsoft backs court injunction against Google

Microsoft has filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging a federal court to maintain an injunction against Google, which requires the company to dismantle its alleged monopoly in the Android apps market, particularly regarding payment practices. This injunction stems from Epic Games' lawsuit against Google, initiated in 2020. On January 16, Microsoft submitted its brief ahead of a court hearing where Google and Epic are seeking modifications to a permanent injunction issued in October 2024. The proposed changes could allow Google to impose fees between 9% and 20% on app developers, which Microsoft argues would undermine the original intent of the injunction. A recent settlement between Google and Epic includes a partnership valued at 0 million over six years, but details remain confidential. Judge Donato is reviewing the settlement and has requested briefings from the FTC and appointed an expert witness for evaluation. Epic Games has also announced that its games app is now available on Google Play worldwide.

BetaBeacon

December 8, 2025

Google and Fortnite make peace after legal fight that went on for more than five years: What it means for Android users – The Times of India

Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement in their 5-year-long antitrust dispute, marking the end of Google's control over the Android app ecosystem. Under the new terms, Google will allow users to download and install third-party app stores that meet security standards, providing more choice for consumers. This change may lead to lower prices for users and lower costs for developers, as well as the launch of major rival stores within the Android system. However, the user experience may become more fragmented with multiple app stores, raising concerns about privacy and security.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Google is giving users more options to pay for apps, and hopefully save some money too

Google has revised its Play Store policy, allowing Android developers to present alternative billing options and link to external payment systems. Developers can now implement their own billing systems instead of relying solely on Google Play Billing and are permitted to link directly to external checkout pages within their applications. This external billing option is currently limited to the U.S. market and will remain in effect until November 1, 2027. Google has also instituted new rules requiring certain apps to verify the age of users prior to download. Historically, Google restricted developers from guiding users toward more affordable payment alternatives outside the Play Store. With the new policy, developers can promote special offers and manage in-app payments outside of Google’s ecosystem, potentially leading to lower subscription rates for users.