Google has announced new Android ecosystem updates, such as the new Registered App Stores program for Android, along with more billing options and lower fees and new programs for developers. Here’s everything to know about the new development from Apple.
Registered App Stores Program for Android
With the new Registered App Stores program for Android, Google will now offer a streamlined installation flow for app stores that meet certain quality and safety benchmarks.
Once this change has rolled out, app stores that choose to participate in this optional program will have registered with Google and so users who sideload them will have a more simplified installation flow. This is the installation process Google has been sued for by Epic Games in the past for making it too complicated.
If a store chooses not to participate, nothing changes for them and they retain the same experience as any other sideloaded app on Android. “This gives app stores more ways to reach users and gives users more ways to easily and safely access the apps and games they love.”
This Registered App Store program will begin outside of the US first, and Google will bring it to the US as well, subject to court approval.
Google Play Fees Lowered for Developers
Google is also introducing a new business model for Android app developers that decouples fees for using its billing system and introduces new, lower service fees. Once this rolls out:
- Billing: For those developers who choose to use Google Play’s billing system, they will be charged a market-specific rate separate from the service fee. In the European Economic Area (EEA), UK, and US that rate will be 5%.
- Service Fees: For new installs (first time installs from users after the new fees are launched in a region), Google is reducing the in-app purchase (IAP) service fee to 20%.
Google is also launching an Apps Experience Program and revamping its Google Play Games Level Up program to “incentivise building great software experiences across Android form factors associated with clear quality benchmarks and enhanced user benefits.” Those developers who choose to participate in these programs will have even lower rates. Participating IAP developers will have a 20% service fee for transactions from existing installs and a 15% fee on transactions from new app installs. Google notes that its service fee for recurring subscriptions will be 10%.
Also Read: Google Announces Gemini-backed AI Features in Google Translate
Rollout Schedule
Google requires time to build the necessary technical infrastructure for these updates, and also enable a seamless transition for developers, and ensure alignment with local regulations. As a result, the updated fees will roll out on the following staggered schedule:
- By June 30: EEA, the United Kingdom and the US.
- By September 30: Australia
- By December 31: Korea and Japan
- By September 30, 2027: The updates will reach the rest of the world.
It will also launch the updated Google Play Games Level Up program and new App Experience program by September 30 for EEA, UK, US, and Australia and then it will roll out in line with the rest of the schedule above.
The company plans to launch Registered App Stores with a version of a major Android release by the end of the year.
On the sidelines of these updates, Google confirmed that it has also resolved its disputes worldwide with Epic Games.
Author: Abhishek Malhotra
Source: The Mobile Indian
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
