Google has announced major changes to the Play Store after settling its long-running legal dispute with Fortnite developer Epic Games over anticompetitive practices.
The company said it will reduce its Play Store commission to 20 percent on in-app purchases. Developers who choose to use Google’s billing system will pay an additional 5 percent fee.
Google confirmed that the agreement resolves all global disputes with Epic Games. As part of the settlement, Fortnite will return to the Google Play Store worldwide while Epic continues to develop its own Android app marketplace, the Epic Games Store.
One of the biggest changes introduced by Google is a new Registered App Stores program. This optional program will make it easier for users to install alternative app stores on Android devices.
Previously, installing apps outside the Play Store required users to go through a process known as sideloading, which often displayed strong security warnings. Epic had argued that these warnings discouraged users from installing legitimate third-party stores.
Under the new program, approved alternative app stores that meet Google’s safety and quality standards will be allowed a smoother installation process.
Google also revealed changes to its Play Store commission structure. The default service fee will now be 20 percent for in app purchases on new installs and 10 percent for recurring subscriptions. If developers use Google’s billing system, an additional 5 percent fee will apply.
The new fee structure will launch by June 30, 2026 in the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area. Australia will receive the update by September 30, followed by Korea and Japan by December 31. The global rollout is expected to be completed by September 30, 2027.
Google is opening up Android all the way with robust support for competing stores, competing payments, and a better deal for all developers. So, we've settled all of our disputes worldwide. THANKS GOOGLE! https://t.co/Dq6eXNnZd0
— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) March 4, 2026
Google will also introduce new initiatives for developers, including the Apps Experience Program and an updated Google Play Games Level Up program. Developers who join these programs will pay a reduced 15 percent commission on transactions from new app installs.
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Epic Games welcomed the agreement, saying the changes will make Android a more open platform with stronger competition between app stores. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney also praised the move publicly, saying it creates a better deal for developers.
