billing options Archives

AppWizard

June 25, 2026

Google confirms new Play Store terms to roll out from end-June

Google has updated its billing terms and fees for the Play Store, effective June 30 in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union. App publishers will be allowed to use their own billing systems and websites for app sales, providing them with greater control over revenue. Developers can implement their own payment systems to potentially reduce costs and increase profit margins. Those who continue using Google Play services will benefit from reduced fees.

BetaBeacon

June 25, 2026

Google Play Store Fees Will be Lowered Thanks to Epic Games Lawsuit, Settlement

Google Play Store fees are getting lower starting on June 30, with the service fee starting at 10% on the first million in annual earnings. Developers using Google Play's billing system will pay an additional 5% billing fee. The changes are a result of Epic Games' lawsuit against Google, which required the company to make structural changes to its Play Store operations. Apple also made changes to its App Store policies following a lawsuit from Epic.

AppWizard

June 24, 2026

Android app purchases are changing as Google Play opens up billing options

Google is enhancing the payment landscape of its Play Store by allowing developers to implement their own billing systems alongside the existing Google Play Billing, initially available in the US, UK, and EEA. Starting June 30, 2026, the Play Store commission will be divided into a 10% service fee for the first million in annual revenue and a 5% billing fee for transactions through Google Play Billing, with no extra charge for alternative billing systems. The phased implementation will first affect the US, UK, and EEA, followed by Australia on September 30, 2026, and Japan and South Korea on December 31, 2026, with global access expected by September 30, 2027.

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

Google changes Play Store policies after settling Epic Games dispute

- Developers on Google Play can now use their own billing systems alongside Google Play's payment system - The service fee for in-app purchases tied to new installs will be 20%, but developers in certain programs will pay 15% - Developers using Google Play's billing system will pay a separate 5% billing fee in certain regions - Google is launching a Registered App Stores program to simplify the installation of third-party Android stores

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

Fortnite set to return to Android worldwide; Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney sends ‘thanks message ‘ to Google

Fortnite will return to Android devices and the Google Play Store worldwide after Google introduced major changes to how apps and payments work on the platform.

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.