According to Ars Technica, Google and Epic Games have settled their long-running antitrust battle with sweeping changes to Android app distribution. The agreement caps Google’s standard fee at either 20% for gameplay advantages or 9% for most microtransactions, down from the current 30% rate. Google will implement new support for third-party “Registered App Stores” that can install apps with one click and fewer warnings. Android chief Sameer Samat and Epic CEO Tim Sweeney announced the deal, which needs court approval but would apply globally through at least June 2032. The billing changes could take effect by late this year, while app store support arrives around June 2025 with Android 17.
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The new fee math
Here’s where things get interesting. Google‘s current system charges developers 15% for the first million and 30% after that. The settlement basically cuts that in half for most transactions. But there’s a catch – that 9% rate doesn’t include the 5% commission if you use Play Store billing. So developers still face some tough choices about payment systems.
The 20% tier is specifically for things that give players “more than a de minimis gameplay advantage.” Basically, if your microtransaction makes players stronger or changes game outcomes, Google gets a bigger cut. Loot boxes with random contents? Those fall into the 20% bucket too. It’s Google’s way of saying “we’ll take less, but not nothing.”
Third-party stores get real
This is the big one. Judge Donato’s original ruling forced Google to distribute third-party app stores and mirror Play Store apps in them. Under the settlement, Google doesn’t have to go that far, but they’re creating this “Registered App Store” system. Sameer Samat says it achieves the goal of increasing choice while keeping users safe.
The key change? These registered stores will install with one click from websites, without the scary security warnings that currently make sideloading feel like you’re breaking your phone. And it’s global, not just US-only like the previous order. Tim Sweeney calls it an “awesome proposal” that doubles down on Android’s original open vision.
Now, Google can still create “reasonable requirements” for certifying these stores and charge fees for the process. But those fees can’t be revenue-dependent, which prevents Google from just taxing competitors into oblivion.
What this actually changes
Look, this isn’t the complete revolution some hoped for, but it’s significant. Third-party app stores finally get a real shot at competing without Google throwing up roadblocks. Developers get lower fees and more payment options. And Google avoids years of legal battles and potentially worse outcomes.
The parties claim this doesn’t undo the jury verdict or sidestep the court’s order. Instead, they’re trying to reinforce the court’s intent while avoiding delays. Smart move, really – why fight for years when you can shape the outcome yourself?
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So what’s next? The judge needs to approve this on Thursday. If he does, we could see billing changes by year’s end and the new app store system with Android 17 next summer. Google’s beta releases might give us a sneak peek earlier in 2026. After years of fighting, Android might finally become the open platform it was always supposed to be.
