- Google has announced three major updates for app developers, marking a new era of choice and openness in the Android ecosystem.
- Key updates include expanded billing options, a “Registered App Store Program,” and price reductions alongside a new “App Experience Program” to support developers.
- A comprehensive settlement has been reached to resolve all global legal disputes between Google and Epic Games regarding app store distribution and payment systems.
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Google announced three major updates for app developers, signaling a new era of expanded choice and openness for the Android ecosystem.
The three key updates announced are the expansion of billing options, the “Registered App Store Program,” and price reductions combined with a new “App Experience Program” to support developers. Furthermore, a comprehensive settlement was announced to resolve all global legal disputes between Google and Epic Games concerning app store distribution and payment systems.
Expansion of Billing Options
In addition to the existing payment system provided by Google Play, the expansion of billing options will allow app developers to integrate and offer their own proprietary payment systems directly within their apps.
With this expansion, users will have greater freedom to choose how they complete transactions within applications.
Introduction of the “Registered App Store Program”
The “Registered App Store Program” is designed to streamline and simplify the installation process on Android devices for third-party app stores that meet Google’s requirements.
By implementing this program, the number of steps and warning screens users encounter when installing participating third-party app stores on their Android devices will be reduced, allowing for a more direct and efficient installation experience.
Price Reductions and the “App Experience Program”
While Google Play’s commission rates are already among the lowest of any major app store, this update introduces a new business model that separates billing system usage fees, further reducing the burden on developers.
Specifically, when using the Google Play billing system, a market-specific billing system fee (5% in the EEA, UK, and US) will be applied separately from the service fee. Following this, the service fee for in-app purchases (IAP) on new installs will be reduced from the current 30% to 20%.
Additionally, to encourage the creation of high-quality software experiences, a new “App Experience Program” will be launched, and the “Game Level Up Program” will be revamped. Developers participating in these programs will benefit from even more favorable commission rates: the service fee for IAP on existing installs will be 20%, IAP on new installs will be cut in half from the traditional 30% to 15%, and the service fee for subscriptions will be set at 10%.
Schedule for the Three Key Updates
The three major updates announced will be implemented in a phased schedule to ensure the development of technical infrastructure, smooth transitions for developers, and compliance with regional regulations.
Price reductions will first be implemented in the EEA, the UK, and the US by Tuesday, June 30, 2026, followed by Australia by Wednesday, September 30, 2026, and Japan and South Korea by Thursday, December 31, 2026. The updates are scheduled to be applied globally by Thursday, September 30, 2027.
Furthermore, the new “App Experience Program” will launch in select regions (EEA, UK, US, and Australia) by Wednesday, September 30, 2026, before expanding in accordance with the aforementioned schedule. The “Registered App Store Program” is slated to launch in line with the major Android release at the end of 2026.
Source：Google
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