In March this year, Google announced some major upcoming policy changes for the Play Store. It was ready to open the gates to more billing options while lowering app store fees and rates for new developer programs. The company has now announced the date when these changes will go live.
Since its inception, Google has only allowed developers to use the Google Play billing system across the globe. As part of its deal with Epic Games, Google is opening the Play Store billing to third-party options. Developers can now offer alternative billing or direct users to their own website to make the final purchase.
Developers even have the freedom to design their own choice screen, though it must follow Google’s UX guidelines.
Starting June 30, 2026, the Billing Choice program will be available to all developers globally who sell apps and services in the EEA, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The program will then expand to Australia on September 30, 2026, followed by Japan and South Korea on December 31, 2026. For the rest of the world, Google says the rollout is scheduled for September 30, 2027.
Lower developer fees for the first $1 million annual revenue
Besides opening Play Store billing to third-party payment options, Google is also restructuring its developer fees by splitting them into two categories: a service fee and a billing fee. This goes into effect on June 30, 2026, in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Economic Area.
Google will charge a 10% service fee, including on auto-renewing subscriptions, on the first $1 million of annual revenue. This is regardless of whether you use Google Play billing or not. The fee jumps to 20% on new installs and 25% on existing installs once annual revenue crosses $1 million.
If developers stick to Google Play billing, they will pay an additional 5% billing fee. This will not apply to third-party payment options, though they will have their own processing charges.
Apps that qualify for Games Level Up and Apps Experience will enjoy a lower service fee of 15% on other transactions after their annual revenue exceeds $1 million. These programs go live later this year, in September 2026. To qualify for these programs, developers must meet certain criteria.
