Google is moving ahead with a series of changes to the Play Store after settling a years-long legal dispute with Fortnite maker Epic Games over anti-competitive concerns. The tech giant announced on Wednesday that it will cut its Play Store commissions to 20% for in-app purchases, with another 5% to be set if app developers choose to use Google’s billing system. It also makes it easier for users to install alternative app stores through a new optional program called the Registered App Stores program.
“With these updates, we’ve also resolved our global disputes with Epic Games,” Google said in a statement a company blog post.
The changes are part of a new arrangement between the two tech rivals that will allow Epic Games to bring Fortnite back to the Google Play Store worldwide, while also investing in its own alternative app store, the Epic Games Store for Android.
As part of the deal, Google’s Registered App Stores program will offer a more streamlined installation flow for users who want to install apps outside of Google Play. One of Epic’s concerns was that the process for sideloading apps included dire warnings to users about the danger of non-Play Store apps. Of course, users should be cautious – side apps are a known security risk. However, some third parties, such as Epic Games, wanted to operate their own legal (and secure) app stores without the scare tactics.
This program will allow that, as approved stores will have to meet certain quality and safety requirements, Google notes. The program is coming to markets beyond the US first. Once the settlement is approved by the court, it will begin in the state as well.
Another notable change is the tweak to the Play Store’s bidding structure. Like Apple, Google’s default commission was 30%, with a reduced fee of 15% for recurring subscriptions. Now, it will drop even lower: the new “service fee” will be 20% for in-app purchases on new installations and 10% for recurring subscriptions.
However, this fee does not include using Google’s billing system — that’s another 5%. (This price applies to the USA, the European Economic Area [EEA]and UK Other countries will have their own prices depending on the market.)
There will also be new developer programs, including an Apps Experience Program and a revamped Google Play Games Level Up program, which incentivize developers to create quality experiences on Android. Developers who choose to participate in these programs will pay a 20% commission on transactions made on their existing app installs, but will only pay a 15% commission on transactions from new app installs.
These new charges will roll out by June 30, 2026, in the EEA, UK and US. New developer programs will also launch at that time.
Australia will gain access to the new fee structure on September 30, followed by Korea and Japan by December 31. The new fees will be extended to the global market by September 30, 2027.
“We believe these changes will create a stronger Android ecosystem with even more successful developers and higher-quality apps and games available in more form factors for everyone. We look forward to continuing our work with the developer community to create the next generation of digital experiences.” the Google post said.
Epic Games praised the settlement and the changes that came about on their own statementnoting that “These changes will evolve Android into a true open platform with cross-store competition.” At X, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney he said “THANK YOU GOOGLE!” calling the move “a better deal for all developers.”
Epic Games has long been embroiled in a similar lawsuit with Apple over App Store supplies. Apple was forced to change its policy to allow developers to link to external payment options. This case is under review appealwith Apple won more recently partial reversal of the court’s decision.
