Google has announced a major change to the distribution and monetization rules on Google Play: developers will be given more freedom to choose payment solutions, it will be easier to install third-party app stores, and a new fee structure with lower rates will be introduced for some scenarios.
Google has announced a major change to the distribution and monetization rules on Google Play: developers will be given more freedom to choose payment solutions, it will be easier to install third-party app stores, and a new fee structure with lower rates will be introduced for some scenarios.
According to the Android Developers Blog, mobile app developers will be able to use their own billing system alongside Google Play Billing or direct users to their own site outside the app to make purchases there. Google emphasizes that they want to expand «choice and openness» while maintaining a secure user experience.
Another innovation concerns alternative stores. The company is launching Registered App Stores, a voluntary program for stores that meet certain quality and security requirements. Such stores are promised a smoother installation process when sideloading. The launch is planned to start outside the US, and the launch of the application on the American market will depend on the court’s decision; the launch is also tied to the release of one of the major versions of Android by the end of the year.
Google Play fees are also being overhauled. Billing usage fees will now be separated from the «service» fee. For the European Economic Area, the UK, and the US, the billing rate will be 5%. The service fee for in-app purchases from «new installs» should drop to 20% after the rules are launched in a specific region, and to 10% for subscriptions with regular charges. For participants in the new Apps Experience Program and the updated Google Play Games Level Up, Google promises additional discounts, including 15% for transactions from new installs.
Google said the changes resolved disputes with Epic Games globally. The updates will be rolled out in stages: by June 30 in the EEA, UK and US, by September 30 in Australia, by December 31 in Korea and Japan, and by September 30, 2027 in other countries.
Previously, dev.ua wrote about how Google is redesigning the Play Store to match content to interests and speak to the user in natural language. There is an «intent-based» search, a separate section for personal recommendations and statistics, and even an in-game assistant that prompts you while you’re playing.
