Google Play allowed third-party payment systems in the United States
The Google Corporation announced changes to the American version of the Google Play app store policy. The company was compelled to make these changes due to a court ruling in a legal dispute with Epic Games.
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The main innovations include:
- Google no longer requires developers to use the Google Play billing system—third-party billing solutions are now permitted;
- developers can set different prices for products depending on the payment system used;
- developers are allowed to inform their app users about alternative payment methods available;
- developers can provide links to download apps from outside Google Play.
Google emphasized that these changes apply only in the U.S. and only as long as the court order remains in effect—specifically, until November 1, 2027.
Previously, Google stated that it plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court by the end of October. The company aims for the court to review its case with Epic Games and overturn the lower court's ruling.