Policy shift follows Epic settlement and antitrust pressure
Google announced a major overhaul of Android app store policies on Wednesday, expanding billing options and lowering developer fees in a move that helped end its long-running dispute with Epic Games and cleared the way for Fortnite to return to Google Play worldwide. The changes target how developers distribute apps and process in-app payments, areas that were central to Epic’s antitrust case filed in 2020.
Epic had argued that Google illegally monopolized how users access apps and how in-app purchases are handled on Android devices. The dispute moved through years of litigation before the two sides reached a U.S. court settlement in November. Google said Wednesday its updated approach is designed to increase competition and offer more choices for both developers and consumers.
Developers can add their own billing and link to outside purchases
Alphabet-owned Google said it will now allow mobile app developers to offer their own billing systems alongside Google Play’s payment option. It will also permit developers to direct users to their own websites to complete purchases, a policy change that addresses one of the core issues raised in the lawsuit over control of payment flows and associated service fees.
Sameer Samat, president of Android Ecosystem at Google, said the changes expand how app stores can reach users and how users can access apps and games. He said the updated approach gives users more ways to access content they want while maintaining safety.
Third-party app stores get easier installs, starting outside the U.S.
Google also said it will make it easier for users to download and install third-party app stores on Android devices. The company said this change will begin outside the United States first. It added that it plans to bring the update to the U.S. as well, subject to court approval.
The planned sequencing reflects differences in regulatory and legal requirements across jurisdictions. Google framed the move as a way to broaden distribution options beyond Google Play, potentially increasing competitive pressure on store policies, fees, and discovery mechanics.
New fee structure rolls out in phases through September 2027
Google said it will reduce in-app purchase service fees and make additional changes to its fee structure aimed at lowering costs for developers. The company said updated fees will begin rolling out in June in select regions, with a full global rollout expected by September 2027.
The long rollout window suggests a staged implementation that may vary by market and product category, while giving developers time to adapt billing flows and distribution strategies.
Fortnite removal in 2020 set off the legal battle
Fortnite was removed from Google Play in 2020 after Epic introduced a direct payment system designed to bypass Google’s billing. That triggered the broader conflict over app distribution rules and fees. Following the settlement reached in November, Fortnite returned to the Google Play Store in the United States in December.
Google said the policy overhaul supports expanding global access to the game and aligns with changes intended to offer developers more flexibility in how they monetize apps on Android.
