Google Cuts Play Store Fees to Make Android Apps More Profitable for Developers

Google is making some big changes that will offer more choices to developers and users on Android and Google Play, especially regarding payment options and third-party app stores .

For billing, Android apps will soon be able to use their own payment systems within the app or direct users to pay on the web, rather than pushing everything through Google Play Billing. In the US, UK, and EU, using Play Billing will result in a 5% billing fee, and the standard service fee on in‑app purchases from new installs will drop to 20%. Subscription apps will see that headline rate fall to 10%, and developers who join new programs like the App Experience Program and the revised Google Play Games Level Up program will receive even lower rates on some transactions.

Regarding distribution, Google is introducing a new "Registered App Stores" program to improve the install flow for third‑party stores that meet its security and quality standards. Registered stores will get a more direct, less noisy sideloading experience, though Google says stores that do not join will keep the current sideloading path with the usual security prompts.

The company is expected to bring the new billing and store programs to the US and Europe by the end of 2026, then expand to markets like Australia, Korea, Japan, and other regions through 2027.