In response to recent litigation settlements and market pressure, Google officially...AnnounceMajor reforms are being implemented to the Android platform and Google Play Store, not only completely ending the previous 30% commission system, but also fully opening up the market to third-party software and adding external payment channels. These changes were initially in response to the events of last November.Settlement agreement reached with Epic GamesThe proposal was partly put forward, but Google chose not to wait for the final court ruling and immediately announced its push for the reform.
Significantly reduced commission rates, major liberalization of external billing
The most significant change in this reform lies in how Google will charge developers.
• Standard commission rate reduced:The standard commission rate for in-app purchases has been reduced from 30% to 20%.
• New installation discount:If developers participate in the new "App Experience" program or the updated "Google Play Games Level Up" program, their app's commission on new installs will be further reduced to 15%.
• Subscription service downgraded:The commission rate for subscription-based subscriptions will be reduced to 10% simultaneously.
• Google Billing System Discount Rates:Developers located in the UK, US, or European Economic Area (EEA) will be charged only 5% when using Google's billing system; other regions will be subject to "market-specific rates".
Google has also softened its stance significantly regarding external payments. Developers can now offer alternative billing options within their applications, outside of Google's billing system, or directly redirect users to external websites to complete purchases. This regulation is more stringent than...Apple's settlement with Epic Games last yearIn China, the practice of only allowing "external webpage links" is more lenient.
Regarding Google's adjustment, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney...displayFortnite, which was relisted on the Google Play Store in the United States last December, will soon be fully available on the Google Play Store worldwide.
The "Register Software Marketplace" program is launching, which may raise the barrier to entry for side-loading software.
To welcome the entry of third-party app marketplaces (such as the mobile version of the Epic Games Store that Epic Games has been working on), Google announced the "Registered App Stores" program.
Once a third-party app store applies and passes a specific "quality and safety benchmark" review, it will have a simpler, more intuitive installation interface on Android. While users can still install app store apps not participating in the program via sideload, Google plans to modify the sideload mechanism later in 2026, intentionally making the sideload process more difficult, thereby encouraging more developers to apply to join Google's registration program.
Global rollout timeline and underlying motivations
Given the scale of the reforms, these changes will be implemented globally in phases:
• Updated rate structure:預計於2026年6月30日率先進駐歐洲經濟區、英國與美國地區，9月30日則將擴及澳洲地區，12月31日於韓國與日本上線，並且預計於2027年9月30日前推廣至全球地區。
• New Developer Program:The "App Experience" and the updated "Google Play Games Level Up" program will launch on September 30, 2026 in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.
• App Store Registration Program:It will be released before the end of this year with a major Android update, and is expected to launch first in regions outside the United States.
Analysis of viewpoints
In 2021, Google made concessions, reducing its cut of developers' first $100 million revenue to 15%. This time, such a large-scale compromise and opening up is not only due to the enormous pressure from Epic Games' lawsuit and global regulatory authorities, but also involves an exchange of commercial interests.
According to a report in January of this year, in addition to the settlement agreement, Google and Epic Games also reached an $800 million partnership, which covers product development and Google's use of Epic Games' "core technology". This means that it is good for developers to retain more profits. However, this is ultimately a business decision made by Google after weighing the pros and cons, ensuring that it can still obtain huge technical and commercial returns while compromising.
