Google to Allow External Billing in Play Store Starting June 30

WHO:

Engadget - Google is the tech giant involved in the changes to the Play Store billing system.

The Verge - Epic Games is mentioned in relation to an antitrust lawsuit against Google.

WHAT:

Engadget - Google will allow developers to offer alternative billing in the Play Store.

The Verge - The flat 30 percent billing fee will be replaced by “lower, decoupled fees.”

The Verge - For apps making over a million dollars annually, the new rates will be 20 percent for new in-app purchases and 10 percent for subscriptions.

The Verge - Google announced Games Level Up and Apps Experience programs for “exceptional” and “premium” experiences.

WHERE:

Engadget - The changes will take place in the US, the UK, and Europe.

WHEN:

Engadget - The new billing options will start on June 30.

The Verge - Other program changes will go into effect at the end of September, at the end of the year, and will roll out to the rest of the world after September 30th, 2027.

WHY:

The Verge - The changes are part of a response to an antitrust lawsuit regarding Google’s monopoly over Android’s app store.

HOW:

The Verge - The amount Google takes from transactions will depend on factors such as whether the user’s first install was before or after the new structure, how much a developer has earned, and whether the developer uses Google Play’s billing system with an additional 5 percent fee.

(UPDATED June 25, 2026 13:46 UTC)

Google is set to implement significant changes to its Play Store billing system, allowing developers to offer alternative billing options starting June 30. The flat 30 percent fee will be replaced with lower rates, including 20 percent for new in-app purchases and 10 percent for subscriptions for apps earning over a million dollars annually. These adjustments are part of Google's response to an antitrust lawsuit concerning its dominance in the Android app market and will initially apply in the US, the UK, and Europe, with further changes rolling out globally after September 30, 2027.