Google Play will support third-party stores and reduce fees

Google has announced a series of changes to the Google Play app store. These include new terms for third-party stores, additional payment options, and reduced fees for in-app purchases.

The updates are part of the changes the company is implementing after a years-long legal dispute with Epic Games.

More payment options for developers

One of the key changes concerns payment processing. App developers can use their own payment systems alongside the Google Play system.

In addition, apps will be able to direct users to external sites to make purchases. Previously, such opportunities were significantly limited by the platform’s rules.

Google is also introducing a verification mechanism for third-party app stores. Developers will be able to register their own store, after which the process of installing apps for users will become easier.

Participation in the program remains voluntary. If developers do not want to register a third-party store, no sanctions or changes to the terms are provided for them.

Reducing commission for in-app purchases

The company is also changing the commission model when using the Google payment system. For developers, a separate market rate is being introduced, which will correspond to the commission for processing payments.

In the European Economic Area, the UK and the US, this commission will be 5%.

At the same time, Google is reducing the basic commission for in-app purchases. For new app installations after the launch of the updated tariffs, it will be 20% instead of the previous 30%.

For existing apps, the commission will be reduced to 25%.

Epic Games lawsuit aftermath

The changes are related to a multi-year legal conflict between Google and Epic Games.

In August 2025, a US appeals court upheld a jury verdict handed down in 2023. At that time, Google Play and the company’s payment system were recognized as illegal monopolies.

Google tried to challenge a number of requirements, including the mandatory opening of the platform to third-party applications. The company argued that such measures could affect user security.

After several unsuccessful appeal attempts, the parties reached a settlement agreement in November 2025, which allowed the trial to be concluded.