There are some changes coming to Google Play in the United Kingdom. However, this is the kind of change that may be positive for some Android developers, and in the long term, for users. The search giant has detailed all of its propositions on billing for Android in the country. These are part of the UK’s Competition and Market Authority (CMA) investigation. The set of potential changes includes reducing the fees for app distribution and in-app purchases. Moreover, the search giant can also allow alternatives for the in-app billing system.
Google Play will allow third-party billing, but fees are lower if you remain with Google
As per the regulator, Google has infringed competition laws by making app developers use only Google Play Billing (GPB). So, the search giant will need to make amends to avoid massive fines or worse. Worth noting that a similar situation is happening in Continental Europe. There, the service fee will drop by 4% if Google Play Billing and 3% if it isn’t. That means that instead of paying 15% for every transaction to Google, developers will pay 11% for offering the in-house option or 12% for keeping it out.
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Another important detail is that Google will keep the 15% for recurring payments. In other words, no changes for subscriptions. Also, developers who have revenue under $1 million for the first year will be eligible for 10%.
The search giant and interested parties are invited to discuss the commitments until May 19. Once the discussion stage is done, the non-gaming apps will go through the changes. After the initial phase, then the company will proceed to change the things for gaming apps. All of this will happen no later than October 2023.
Google is not the only giant to need to adjust to new rules in the EU. Apple will also need to go through similar changes. In fact, the rumors state that with iOS 17, the Cupertino giant will start allowing third-party stores, alternative billing systems, and even the option to sideload apps. These changes are really big for Apple since its policies are more strict.
