The corporation Google did not wait for the U.S. court to approve its settlement agreement with Epic Games and announced changes to Google Play.
Fortnite
Specifically, Google decided to reduce the commission rate for in-app purchases (IAP) — currently, it stands at 30%. The percentage will vary depending on the app installation date:
- For users who first install an app after the new rules are implemented, the IAP commission will be 20%;
- For “long-time” app users, the IAP commission will be 25%.
If developers decide to opt out of using the Google Play payment system in favor of third-party solutions, the commission will decrease by an additional 5% in both cases — to 15% and 20%, respectively.
How the IAP commission will change in Google Play
Google emphasized that the reduction in commission rates will gradually take effect globally. By June 30, it will be reduced in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.; by September 30, in Australia; by December 31, in South Korea and Japan; and by September 30, 2027, in the remaining countries.
Additionally, Google will simplify the installation of apps from other stores on Android. To this end, it will launch a special program called Registered App Stores, through which platforms will be audited for compliance with ecosystem requirements. Initially, the program is expected to operate outside the U.S. and will begin in the States only after court approval.