Google Play opens up to other payment methods in Europe. Apps and subscriptions could become cheaper as a result

Payments in Android apps are facing a significant change in Europe. From June 30, 2026, developers in countries within the European Economic Area will be able to offer payment methods other than Google’s in apps downloaded from Google Play. Because lower fees apply to payments made outside the store, some of the savings may be reflected in the prices of apps and subscriptions.

What’s changing on Google Play?

Google is introducing a program called “choice billing”. Thanks to this, app and game developers no longer have to rely exclusively on the Google Play billing system, as was the case until now. They can offer their own payment gateway directly within the app, or redirect users to their website where the transaction will take place outside of Google’s store. The rule applies to all developers offering digital content or services to users in the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Google Play opens up to other payment methods in Europe. Apps and subscriptions could become cheaper as a result Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

The opening comes after years of pressure from regulators and courts. In the European Union, similar steps are required from large platforms by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), while in the United States, Google was pushed to make the change by a dispute with game developer Epic Games. It was after the settlement of this dispute that the popular Fortnite, which had been missing from the store for almost six years, returned to Google Play this spring.

How much does Google keep?

Google divides the previous unified commission into two components. The service fee starts at 10% of the first million dollars a developer earns per year, and the same 10% applies to automatically renewing subscriptions. In addition, there is a five-percent payment processing fee. However, Google only charges this if the transaction goes through its own system – as soon as the developer sends the customer to pay elsewhere, this fee is waived.

For earnings above one million dollars, rates vary depending on whether they are newly acquired or existing users; Google describes the exact terms in its developer documentation. However, lower fees do not automatically mean a discount for users. Whether developers pass the saved money on to lower prices or keep it is entirely up to them.

When does the change start and who does it affect?

Europe, Britain, and the United States are first in line, starting on June 30, 2026. Other markets will be added gradually: Australia on September 30, 2026, Japan and South Korea at the end of the year, and the rest of the world in autumn 2027. For Czech readers, it is important that the Czech Republic falls within the European Economic Area, so the change will affect it in the first wave.

Furthermore, from September 30, 2026, Google will launch two accompanying programs called Level Up and Apps Experience. These are intended to offer even lower rates to developers whose apps and games meet specified quality requirements.

Will you welcome the option to pay for apps outside of Google Play?

Sources: Android Developers Blog, Android Authority, 9to5Google