Google opens Play Store to outside billing on June 30

2026-06-26 · Source: Dataconomy · Field: Business & Management — E-commerce & Digital Commerce, Project & Product Management, Entrepreneurship & Start-ups · Depth: Intermediate, quick

Summary

Google will open its Play Store to alternative billing systems on June 30, simultaneously lowering its commission from 30 percent to 10 percent for developers in the US, UK, and Europe. This change, part of a settlement with Epic Games, introduces a new billing choice program accessible worldwide. While Google Play's billing system will still be featured, developers can offer alternative payment options or link to their own websites, with customers seeing a choice screen. Google will implement a 10 percent service fee on a developer's first \$1 million in annual earnings, regardless of the billing system, plus an additional 5 percent billing fee if Google Play's system is used. After the first million, commissions rise to 20 percent for new installs, while auto-renewals remain at 10 percent. Existing installs will incur 20 to 25 percent. Special programs like Games Level Up and Apps Experience will offer lower fees starting September 30. The global rollout is expected by September 30, 2027.

Key takeaway

For app developers and product managers evaluating monetization strategies on Android, you should immediately assess the new Google Play billing options. The reduced 10 percent service fee on your first \$1 million in annual earnings, regardless of the payment system, presents a significant opportunity to increase revenue. Consider integrating an alternative payment provider to potentially save on the additional 5 percent Google Play billing fee, and prepare to design compliant customer choice screens.

Key insights

Google Play now permits alternative billing globally, reducing its commission structure for developers.

Principles

• Commissions vary by earnings tier and billing system.
• Auto-renewal fees are consistently lower.
• Specific programs offer reduced fees.

Method

Developers can integrate alternative payment systems or link to external websites, presenting customers with a Google-designed choice screen during checkout.

In practice

• Evaluate alternative payment providers for cost savings.
• Design compliant checkout choice screens.
• Apply for Games Level Up or Apps Experience programs.

Topics

• Google Play Store
• App Monetization
• Billing Systems
• Developer Commissions
• Payment Processing
• Android Ecosystem

Best for: Software Engineer, Product Manager, Entrepreneur

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Dataconomy.