Google embraces third party app stores and payments to put Epic Games case behind it

Summary

Google has announced changes to how Android handles third-party app stores and payments in a bid to settle its long-running dispute with Epic Games and respond to regulatory pressure. The company will launch a “Registered App Stores” programme to simplify installation flows for alternative stores, split Play Store charges into a 20% Service Fee plus an optional 5% Google Play Billing Fee, and permit developers to use competing billing systems (and to point users outside apps to make purchases). Epic Games has welcomed the move, saying it will make Android a more open platform.

Key Points

Google will introduce a Registered App Stores programme to make installing and using third-party Android app stores easier and safer for users.
Play Store fees are being restructured into a 20% Service Fee and an optional 5% Google Play Billing Fee; developers not using Google’s billing system can avoid the 5% charge.
Developers will be able to point users to external payment options and use competing payment systems within Android’s ecosystem.
Epic Games has approved the changes and says they increase competition between stores on Android globally.
The changes are a response to legal rulings and regulatory pressure worldwide that pushed app-store operators to offer more choice.
Google will show information about Registered App Stores to help users distinguish legitimate marketplaces from malicious or fake stores.

Content Summary

Epic Games’ long-running challenge to app-store restrictions — which sought the right to sell in-game items outside Apple and Google’s systems — helped push the industry and regulators towards greater openness. Google now formalises measures to support third-party stores and alternative billing on Android.

Specifically, Google says it will: create a Registered App Stores programme to simplify installation and provide store information to users; split Play charges into a 20% Service Fee and an optional 5% Play Billing Fee; and allow developers to avoid the billing fee if they do not use Google’s billing. The firm presents the moves as a commitment to openness; Epic calls them a win that will foster competition among stores.

Context and Relevance

These changes come amid court rulings, legislative moves and regulatory scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions that have been forcing app-store gatekeepers to loosen restrictions. For developers, publishers and platform competitors, the update could materially reduce transaction costs and open new distribution routes. For consumers, it could mean more choice — but also the need to be cautious about untrusted stores and potential security trade-offs.

The announcement is important to follow if you build or monetise mobile apps, manage digital marketplaces, or track platform regulation and competition in tech. It signals a practical shift in how major platform owners adapt to legal and political pressure on digital platforms.

Why should I read this?

Short version: this is a proper shake-up for the Android app economy. If you make apps, sell digital goods, or care about where your money goes in apps, this affects you — probably saving you fees or changing how customers find and pay for stuff. It’s worth a quick skim at least, or a deep dive if you handle payments or distribution.

Author style

Punchy: this is a substantial policy pivot from Google and a practical win for rivals and some developers. If you care about developer economics or platform competition, the detail here matters — we’ve read it so you don’t have to, but you should read the fine print if it touches your business.

Source

Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/03/05/google_play_store_concessios/