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Google Opens U.S. Play Store to Alternative Payments Under Court Order

A court injunction from Epic’s case forces U.S.-only changes through November 1, 2027.

Overview

  • Developers on the U.S. Play Store no longer have to use Google Play Billing and may offer other in-app payment methods.
  • Apps may link to external storefronts or downloads and freely communicate pricing and availability outside the Play Store.
  • The court-ordered measures apply only in the United States and are scheduled to remain in effect until November 1, 2027.
  • Google says it will soon share additional program requirements and business model updates to preserve user trust and safety.
  • The shift stems from Epic’s litigation and follows a similar U.S. App Store change that took effect in May.