Google has submitted a proposal to “fix” the Play Store following its loss in the Epic Games lawsuit, and the changes include better support for third-party app stores and reduced, but more complex, fees in the Play Store.
Sameer Samat, president of the Android ecosystem at Google, confirmed last night that the company had “filed a proposal to modify Android and Google Play” which will be discussed with the judge in charge of the case on Thursday, November 6. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games called the proposal is “brilliant” and a “comprehensive solution” that “contrasts with Apple’s model of blocking all competing stores.”
So, what does Google’s proposal contain?
Reuters reports that Google would “make it easier for users to download and install from third-party app stores” while also changing Play Store fees to a 9% or 20% “service fee” for apps distributed on the Play Store that use alternative payment options. The edge offered more details, including:
- The 9% service fee applies to general purchases, ostensibly subscriptions, while the 20% fee applies to a purchase that provides “more than a de minimis gaming advantage.”
- Google Play’s billing fee will be just 5%, compared to the current 15% for the first $1 million in revenue per year, which will then increase to 30% for additional revenue.
- Alternative payment options may be displayed in apps alongside Google Play Billing.
- Starting with “a build of the next major Android release” (i.e. a build of Android 17), 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 permission to the store to install apps.” This will remain in play until 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-install, and to allow developers to communicate with users about pricing outside of the Play Store. The effects of these changes were felt last week.
If Google’s proposal were accepted, it would effectively put an end to this long series of legal battles that began in 2020.
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