Google has announced a significant change to its Play Store policies that will allow Android app developers to use alternative payment systems instead of relying solely on Google's billing service.
Beginning June 30, 2026, developers in the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area (EEA) will be able to offer users different checkout options or redirect them to external websites for digital purchases, per a report by NDTV.
The move marks one of the biggest changes to the Play Store's payment system and comes as Google implements measures linked to its antitrust settlement with Epic Games.
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New fee structure introduced
According to reports cited by NDTV, Google is replacing its long-standing commission model with a revised fee structure consisting of two components: a "service fee" and a "billing fee".
Under the new system, smaller developers earning up to $1 million annually will pay a 10 per cent service fee on new in-app purchases and auto-renewing subscriptions.
For developers whose revenue exceeds that amount, the service fee can rise to 25 per cent.
Developers that continue using Google Play's own payment system will also pay an additional 5 per cent billing fee. This charge is intended to cover payment processing, security measures, fraud prevention and related services.
Option to use third-party payments
The revised policy gives developers greater flexibility in how they handle transactions. Companies that build their own payment infrastructure or use external payment providers can avoid the extra billing fee.
Developers will also be allowed to direct users to independent websites for completing purchases, a practice that was previously restricted.
Global rollout planned
The initial rollout will begin in the United States, the United Kingdom and the EEA later this month, reported NDTV.
Google plans to expand the policy to Australia in September, followed by Japan and South Korea in December. The remaining markets are expected to transition by September 2027.
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The changes follow years of legal and regulatory scrutiny over Google's control of app payments and could significantly reshape how digital purchases are handled on Android devices.
FAQs:
When will Google allow external payments on the Play Store?
The new policy will take effect from June 30, 2026.
Which regions will get the new Play Store payment rules first?
The United States, the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area will receive the changes first.
