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Google starts lowering Play Store fees, making good on Epic Games settlement

Google has begun distributing Aptoide Games, the first third-party Android app store available through Google Play in the US, as mandated by the Epic v. Google court ruling. Simultaneously, Alphabet settled a UK class action lawsuit regarding Play Store fees for £260 million. While Google admits no wrongdoing in the UK case, £160 million of that settlement is dedicated to compensating eligible developers. These moves follow a broader legal trend of forcing mobile platforms to open their ecosystems to competition and alternative payment methods.

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What changed

Google launched Aptoide Games on the Play Store and agreed to a £260 million UK settlement.

Live updates

  1. Google distributes rival app store and settles UK fee lawsuit

    Google has begun distributing Aptoide Games, the first third-party Android app store available through Google Play in the US, as mandated by the Epic v. Google court ruling. Simultaneously, Alphabet settled a UK class action lawsuit regarding Play Store fees for £260 million. While Google admits no wrongdoing in the UK case, £160 million of that settlement is dedicated to compensating eligible developers. These moves follow a broader legal trend of forcing mobile platforms to open their ecosystems to competition and alternative payment methods.

    Why it matters

    These changes stem from a legal battle with Epic Games that forces Google to allow alternative app stores and lower commissions through 2032. This shift challenges the traditional closed-garden model of mobile operating systems. The UK settlement addresses similar monopoly concerns regarding developer fees.

    What is confirmed

    • Google agreed to a £260 million settlement for a UK Play Store class action.
    • Google earmarked £160 million of the UK settlement for eligible app developers.
    • Alphabet made no admission of wrongdoing in the UK settlement.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Aptoide Games is the first rival Android app store distributed through Google Play in the US.

    What to watch next

    • Apple's fee proposal for developers linking to web purchase options.
    • Implementation of the £160 million payout to UK developers.
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.techrepublic.com — Aptoide Games Becomes First Third-Party App Store on Google Play
    2. www.macrumors.com — Supreme Court Lets Apple Delay App Store Fee Fight for 24 Hours
    3. thenextweb.com — Google will pay £260m to settle a UK class action over Play Store fees
    4. www.techrepublic.com — Google Agrees to Pay £260M to Settle UK App Store Monopoly Lawsuit
    confidence 90%

  2. Google Cuts Play Store Commissions Following Epic Games Settlement

    Google is reducing developer fees and expanding billing options as part of a legal settlement with Epic Games. These changes include supporting alternative app stores and lowering commissions on in-app purchases. The company will maintain these Android app support changes through at least 2032.

    What's confirmed:

    • Google will reduce Play Store commissions on in-app purchases to 20%.
    • The settlement allows for alternative app stores on Android.
    • Google is expanding billing options and lowering developer fees.
    • The agreement reintroduces Fortnite to the Google Play Store globally.
    • Android app support changes will be maintained through at least 2032.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • External billing fees will drop to 10% starting June 30, 2026.
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule: Every match, date and key stage to know
    2. Google changes Play Store policies after settling Epic Games dispute
    3. Google cuts Play Store commission to 20% in Epic settlement
    4. Google settlement with Epic caps Play Store fees, boosts other Android ...
    5. Google starts lowering Play Store fees, making good on Epic Games ...
    6. Google Play's "Lower Fees": What US Developers Should Do
    7. Google Play External Billing: Fees Drop to 10% (2026) - FoxData
    confidence 90%

  3. Google Lowers Play Store Fees Following Epic Games Settlement

    Google is reducing Play Store fees and allowing alternative payment methods as part of a settlement with Epic Games. New billing options and lower costs will be available to developers in the US, UK, and European Economic Area starting June 30. A global rollout is expected by 2027.

    What's confirmed:

    • Google is lowering Play Store fees as a result of a lawsuit and settlement with Epic Games.
    • Alternative payment options and external billing links will be available in the US, UK, and European Economic Area starting June 30.
    • Some developers will see fees drop from 30% to as low as 10%.
    • A global rollout of lower fees is planned for 2027.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Google cuts Play Store fees to 10% on the first $1M in revenue.
    • Google dropped its commission to a 20% service fee with an optional 5% for billing services.
    Sources used for this update (15)
    1. Google is finally opening the Play Store to outside payments
    2. Google starts lowering Play Store fees, making good on Epic Games settlement
    3. You'll soon have more ways to pay in Android apps— but will you pay less?
    4. Android app purchases are changing as Google Play opens up billing options
    5. Google Play offers expanded billing choices and lower fees for game devs
    6. Google starts lowering Play Store fees, making good on Epic Games ...
    7. Google Lowering Play Store Fees and Allowing Alternative Payments ...
    8. Google Play Store Fees Will be Lowered Thanks to Epic Games Lawsuit ...
    9. Google Starts Lowering Play Store Fees, Making Good On Epic Games ...
    10. Google Slashes Play Store Cuts as Epic Settlement Takes Hold
    11. Google Play Store Opens Up to External Billing Options
    12. Google Details Reduced Play Store Fees That Trim Its Take to 10% in ...
    confidence 90%