Today marks the deadline for Google to comply with Judge James Donato’s order regarding the Android operating system. This includes allowing third-party app stores access, ceasing the mandatory Google Play Billing integration, and permitting developers to link to external app download options within the U.S.
Google has updated its support pages with a deadline of January 28 for developers to enroll in programs for “alternative billing” and “external content links.” Participation in these programs, however, will carry additional fees for developers, contingent on Judge Donato’s acceptance of a proposed settlement between Google and Epic Games.
While Google currently does not charge fees for these services, it plans to impose a fee of $2.85 for every app and $3.65 for every game downloaded via external links within 24 hours of a user’s interaction. Additionally, a 20% cut will be taken from in-app purchases and 10% from auto-renewing subscriptions. Developers must still submit their apps to Google for review and use a Google API to track transactions, which they must report, including free trial transactions.
For those opting to manage their billing, Google will offer only a 5% discount compared to current fees, which are set at 25% for in-app purchases and 10% for subscriptions. A fee cap of 10% on the first $1 million in earnings will remain, slightly reducing the previous cap of 15% but possibly offering minimal relief to small developers.
As Judge Donato evaluates Google’s compliance, he has previously criticized Apple for high fees in a similar legal context. Google states that its planned fees reflect the value of their services. In a joint report, Epic indicated opposition to Google’s proposed fees if implemented, underlining ongoing tensions in this ongoing legal battle. The outcome may hinge on whether the judge opts for the proposed settlement which would affect Google’s fees on a global scale. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for January 22.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/848540/google-app-fees-external-link-downloads-alternative-payments