Google pre-empts legal settlement with global overhaul of Play Store fees

Starting June 30, developers in the US, UK, and the European Economic Area will see commissions drop to 20 percent or less. Google is decoupling service fees from billing fees, effectively allowing developers to implement their own payment systems alongside Google Play for in-app purchases. This shift marks a significant departure from the company's long-standing "walled garden" model, which previously enforced strict billing control and high revenue cuts.

To facilitate competition, Google will launch a "Registered App Stores" program by the end of this year, simplifying the process for users to download third-party marketplaces like the Epic Games Store directly from the web. While the company retains a 25 percent fee on certain in-app content purchases, the new tiered structure encourages participation in its "Games Level Up" and "Apps Experience" programs to secure the lowest possible rates. The rollout follows a staggered timeline, reaching Australia by September, Japan and Korea by year-end, and the remainder of the globe by September 2027.