Court Mandate: Google Play Opens to External Payments in the US

Court Mandate: Google Play Opens to External Payments in the US notes that both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store previously prohibited directing users to external payments, a rule underpinned by their commissions on in‑app purchases. In response to EPIC Games’ lawsuits, the courts ruled against Apple and Google, with Google facing greater disruption due to the Android ecosystem’s openness.

As a result of the injunction, Google has opened its app store to external payment methods in the US market, allowing developers to bypass Google Play’s billing system and direct users to external payment channels, potentially enabling lower prices for users. According to Google’s updated developer policy page, the changes apply exclusively to the United States, reflecting the scope of the U.S. District Court’s jurisdiction and not extending to other regions.

The court order is set to expire on 1 November 2027, and Google has stated that the policy shift is a temporary compliance measure while it continues to appeal the ruling. Google could still impose supplementary service fees, such as for identity verification or security compliance, to offset revenue losses from reduced commission income.