Google has settled a conflict with Epic Games by lowering its app store fees to 20%
Google has resolved its conflict with Epic Games by adjusting its Play Store framework, notably by decreasing the commission on in-app transactions to 20%.
A blog post by Sameer Samat, the head of Google's Android ecosystem, detailed a revised approach that "separates fees for utilizing [its] billing system and features new, reduced service rates."
The commission for in-app purchases through Google has been cut from 30% to 20%. Developers using the Play Store's billing platform in the European Economic Area, the UK, and the US will incur an extra 5% service charge, while those in other locales will pay rates specific to their market.
Participants in the new Apps Experience initiative or the revamped Google Play Games Level Up program will see reduced fees, including a 20% service charge for existing app installations and 15% for new ones.
The updated service fees are set to commence by June 30, 2026, across the EEC, the UK, and the US, with Australia to follow by September 30, 2026, and Korea and Japan by December 31, 2026. A worldwide phase-out is planned by September 30, 2027.
An optional initiative will also be introduced by Google to assist developers who wish to sideload certified third-party app platforms. This initiative will be rolled out outside the US initially, contingent upon judicial approval of the settlement with Epic Games.
In November of last year, Google and Epic reached an agreement allowing third-party app marketplaces on Android globally, proposing a standard 20% commission rate.
According to Samat, "These modifications are poised to fortify the Android ecosystem, resulting in more prosperous developers and superior apps and games available for diverse devices. We anticipate working alongside the developer community to craft the next wave of digital experiences."
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney reacted to the news, confirming Fortnite's planned return to Google Play stores worldwide.
"The Epic Games Store will continue to offer support for Android globally along with Windows and Mac, with installation on Android becoming significantly simpler later in 2026," he noted.