Google's new rules for the app store will allow alternative billing next week
The Verge
β’2026-06-24T13:36:44-04:00
π° What Happened
Google announced that starting next week, its Play Store will allow alternative billing systems for Android apps, effectively ending the mandatory 30% commission on all transactions. The change comes as part of the settlement resolving Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit against Google, which alleged the company had a monopoly over Android's app store through Google Play. Under the new rules, developers can offer users the option to pay directly through third-party billing systems rather than being forced through Google Play Billing. While the court hasn't officially signed off on the settlement yet, Google is moving ahead with implementation. The shift means the long-standing 30% "app store tax" is effectively ending, and users may soon be able to pay developers directly for Android apps and subscriptions.
π The Backstory
The Epic Games v. Google antitrust trial concluded in December 2023 with a jury finding that Google had illegally monopolised the Android app distribution market and in-app payment processing. Epic had argued that Google's requirement to use Google Play Billing and pay 15-30% commissions was anticompetitive. While Epic scored a similar victory against Apple, the Google case was seen as more significant because Android theoretically allows sideloading. The case was part of a broader global push by regulators and developers against app store commission structures, with the European Union's Digital Markets Act also forcing changes. Google initially resisted, but the mounting legal and regulatory pressure ultimately led to this settlement and policy change.
π― Why It Matters
The end of mandatory Google Play Billing represents a fundamental shift in the mobile app economy, potentially reducing costs for developers and consumers while increasing competition in payment processing. It could serve as a template for other platforms facing similar antitrust scrutiny and may accelerate the broader movement away from platform gatekeeper models in the digital economy.
Google announced that starting next week, its Play Store will allow alternative billing systems for Android apps, effectively ending the mandatory 30% commission on all transactions. The change comes as part of the settlement resolving Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit against Google, which alleged the company had a monopoly over Android's app store through Google Play. Under the new rules, developers can offer users the option to pay directly through third-party billing systems rather than being forced through Google Play Billing. While the court hasn't officially signed off on the settlement yet, Google is moving ahead with implementation. The shift means the long-standing 30% "app store tax" is effectively ending, and users may soon be able to pay developers directly for Android apps and subscriptions.
The Epic Games v. Google antitrust trial concluded in December 2023 with a jury finding that Google had illegally monopolised the Android app distribution market and in-app payment processing. Epic had argued that Google's requirement to use Google Play Billing and pay 15-30% commissions was anticompetitive. While Epic scored a similar victory against Apple, the Google case was seen as more significant because Android theoretically allows sideloading. The case was part of a broader global push by regulators and developers against app store commission structures, with the European Union's Digital Markets Act also forcing changes. Google initially resisted, but the mounting legal and regulatory pressure ultimately led to this settlement and policy change.
The end of mandatory Google Play Billing represents a fundamental shift in the mobile app economy, potentially reducing costs for developers and consumers while increasing competition in payment processing. It could serve as a template for other platforms facing similar antitrust scrutiny and may accelerate the broader movement away from platform gatekeeper models in the digital economy.