Google has announced significant changes to its Play Store payment policies, allowing Android developers in select markets to offer alternative payment methods and direct users to external websites for digital purchases. The move, set to take effect on June 30, 2026, forms part of the company’s response to antitrust measures stemming from its legal dispute with Epic Games.
The updated framework will alter how developers are charged on the platform, replacing Google’s long-standing flat commission structure with a revised fee model.
Google Revises Play Store Billing Framework
Beginning June 30, 2026, developers operating in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Economic Area (EEA) will be able to bypass Google’s proprietary billing system.
Under the new rules, app creators can either provide alternative checkout options within their applications or direct users to external websites to complete digital purchases.
According to reports from The Verge and Neowin, the change marks a major shift away from Google’s mandatory 30 percent commission model that has governed Play Store transactions for years.
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Policy Changes Linked to Epic Games Antitrust Case
The overhaul is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to implement commitments associated with its antitrust settlement involving Fortnite creator Epic Games.
The legal challenge centered on allegations that Google’s control over the Android app ecosystem and payment infrastructure limited competition within the marketplace.
As a result, Google is now restructuring how fees are charged to developers using the Play Store.
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New Fee Structure Replaces Flat 30 Percent Commission
According to Android Police, Google will separate its platform charges into two categories: a service fee and a billing fee.
Service Fee Details
For developers earning up to $1 million annually, the service fee will be reduced to 10 percent for new in-app purchases and auto-renewing subscriptions.
For companies generating revenue above that threshold, the service fee can increase to as much as 25 percent.
Additional Billing Fee for Google Checkout Users
Developers who continue using Google Play’s built-in payment system will pay an additional 5 percent billing fee.
Google says this fee covers services such as:
- Transaction security
- Fraud prevention
- Backend payment processing
However, developers that integrate third-party billing providers or direct users to independent web-based payment gateways will avoid the extra 5 percent charge.
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Rollout to Expand Beyond Initial Markets
The revised billing framework will first be introduced in Western markets later this month before expanding to additional regions.
Planned Expansion Schedule
- United States, United Kingdom, and European Economic Area: June 30, 2026
- Australia: September 2026
- Japan and South Korea: December 2026
- Remaining global markets: By September 2027
The phased rollout will gradually extend access to developers worldwide over the coming months.
What the Changes Mean for Developers
The new structure gives developers greater flexibility in how digital transactions are handled on Android devices.
By allowing external payment systems and separating service-related fees from billing-related costs, Google is creating alternative options for developers that have the technical capability to manage their own payment infrastructure.
The policy also represents one of the most significant changes to the Play Store’s business model in recent years.
Conclusion
Google’s decision to permit external payment options on the Play Store marks a major shift in the Android app marketplace. Effective June 30, 2026, developers in the United States, United Kingdom, and EEA will gain greater control over payment processing, while a revised fee structure replaces the company’s long-standing flat commission model. The changes are expected to expand globally through a phased rollout concluding in September 2027.
