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.