Google Play Store opens external billing June 30

Google Alphabet Inc. ↗ 0.84% is set to implement sweeping changes to its Play Store billing model on June 30, 2026, replacing its long-standing flat 30% commission with a tiered fee structure developed as part of its antitrust settlement with Epic Games. The changes will take effect first in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Economic Area, with global expansion planned through 2027.

A New Fee Structure

Under the new framework, developers will pay a baseline 10% service fee on their first $1 million in annual earnings, regardless of which payment method they use. Beyond that threshold, service fees rise to 20% for transactions from users who installed an app after June 30, and up to 25% for users with existing installations. Developers who continue using Google Play Billing will face an additional 5% billing fee, while those opting for third-party payment systems or directing users to external websites can avoid that charge entirely.ndtvprofit+3

Subscription-based transactions receive uniform treatment at a flat 10% service fee, with no distinction between new and existing installations. Google is also introducing incentive programs — Games Level Up and Apps Experience — that offer further reductions for developers meeting performance and quality benchmarks.pricepush+2

From Legal Battle to Policy Overhaul

The fee changes trace back to Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit against Google, which resulted in a jury verdict finding Google had maintained an illegal monopoly over Android app distribution. Epic and Google announced a proposed settlement in November 2025, with Google agreeing to cap fees between 9% and 20% depending on the transaction type and to allow alternative app stores on Android. The two companies announced a completed deal in March 2026.wikipedia+2

The settlement also requires Google to permit developers to integrate third-party payment systems directly within apps or redirect users to external websites for transactions — a practice previously restricted. According to Google's support documentation, the court has not yet formally approved the settlement, but the company is proceeding with implementation on its proposed timeline.google+2

Staged Global Rollout

Australia will follow on September 30, 2026, with Japan and South Korea joining by December 31, 2026. The rest of the world is expected to gain access by September 30, 2027. The phased approach gives Google time to establish billing fee details for markets beyond the initial launch regions, where the 5% billing fee has already been confirmed.pricepush+1