Google Slashes 30% App Store Fee, Epic Battle Ends

Google is making major changes to its Android app store fees, not waiting for a settlement with Epic Games. By June 30th, the tech giant will lower its app store fees in the US, UK, and European Economic Area to 20% in some cases, down from the previous 30% rate.

This move comes as Google and Epic jointly proposed a settlement last November that would alter Android's global landscape without fully cracking open Google's Android monopoly. However, Google has decided to forge ahead with many of these proposed changes now, rather than wait for the settlement to be approved.

The changes don't stop there. By the end of 2023, Google will also launch a "Registered App Stores" program outside of the US, allowing app developers to offer their own billing systems "alongside" Google's Play Store.

This is a significant shift in Google's app store policies, which have long been a point of contention for developers and companies like Epic Games. The battle between Epic and Google over in-app payment systems and fees has been an ongoing saga, with Epic challenging the tech giant's monopolistic practices.

The new fee structure and Registered App Stores program suggest Google is proactively responding to these challenges, rather than waiting for a court-mandated settlement. This could have far-reaching implications for the Android ecosystem and the broader mobile app industry.

Industry analysts believe these changes could put pressure on Apple to follow suit and reduce its own 30% App Store fee, which has also been a source of contention in the tech world. The battle for fairness and competition in mobile app stores continues to evolve, with Google making the first move to adapt its policies.

As the dust settles on the Epic vs. Google saga, the tech giant's proactive steps suggest it's willing to make concessions to avoid further legal battles and maintain its dominance in the Android market. This could be a significant win for app developers and consumers alike, as they stand to benefit from more choice and potentially lower fees in the Android ecosystem.