Google has submitted a proposal to “fix” the Play Store following its loss in the Epic Games court case, and the changes include better third-party app store support and reduced, but more complex, fees in the Play Store.
Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google, confirmed last night that the company had “filed a proposed set of changes to Android and Google Play” that will be discussed with the case’s Judge on Thursday, Nomveber 6. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called the proposal “awesome” and a “comprehensive solution” that “stands in contrast to Apple’s model of blocking all competing stores.”
So, what is in Google’s proposal?
Reuters reports that Google would “allow users to more easily download and install third-party app stores” while also changing Play Store fees to a 9% or 20% “service fee” for Play Store-distributed apps that use alternative payment options. The Verge offered further details including:
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The 9% service fee applies to general purchases, seemingly subscriptions, where the 20% fee applies to a purchase that provides “more than a de minimis gameplay advantage”
Google Play Billing fees will be just 5%, down from the current 15% for the first $1 million of revenue per year, which then raises to 30% for further revenue
Alternative payment options can be shown in apps alongside Google Play Billing
Starting with “a version of the next major Android release” (i.e. an Android 17 release), Google will allow users to “install a Registered App Store from a website by clicking on a single store install screen using neutral language. This will also grant the permission to the store to install apps.” This will remain in play through at least June 30, 2032
The proposal notably keeps other changes in place, with Google still unable to strike deals for Play Store exclusivity and pre-installation, and allow developers to communicate with users regarding pricing outside of the Play Store. The effects of those changes kicked in last week.
Should Google’s proposal be accepted, it would effectively put an end to this lengthy series of court battles that started in 2020.
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