Google's Play Store billing shake-up is finally happening next week
Android Police 2026-06-25 05:27:39
Context: Google is implementing significant changes to its Play Store billing system, allowing developers to offer alternative billing options and reducing app store fees, following an announcement in March this year. The changes are set to go live on June 30, 2026, in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This move is part of a settlement with Epic Games and aims to provide more flexibility for developers.
Key Facts
- Google's Play Store billing system will be opened to third-party options, allowing developers to offer alternative billing or direct users to their own website to make the final purchase, starting June 30, 2026, in the EEA, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- Developers will have the freedom to design their own choice screen, though it must follow Google's UX guidelines, and will be able to use third-party payment options without incurring an additional billing fee.
- Google is restructuring its developer fees by splitting them into two categories: a service fee and a billing fee, with a 10% service fee on the first $1 million of annual revenue, and 20% on new installs and 25% on existing installs once annual revenue crosses $1 million.
- The Billing Choice program will expand to Australia on September 30, 2026, followed by Japan and South Korea on December 31, 2026, and will be available to all developers globally by September 30, 2027.
- Developers who qualify for Google's Games Level Up and Apps Experience programs will enjoy a lower service fee of 15% on other transactions after their annual revenue exceeds $1 million, with these programs set to go live in September 2026.