Google will cut the fees it charges developers on the Android Play Store and allow easier access to rival app stores after settling a long-running antitrust dispute with Fortnite creator Epic Games.

The changes follow a legal battle that began in 2020 when Epic sued Google, accusing the tech giant of using its Play Store dominance to enforce high commissions on in-app purchases and block competing payment systems.

Under the new model, Google will reduce its standard service fee on in-app purchases to 20%, down from the traditional 15%–30% range developers previously paid.

Developers participating in new quality programs may see fees drop further to 15% for transactions from new installs, while recurring subscriptions will carry a 10% fee.

Google will also separate payment processing from the service fee. Developers who use Google Play’s billing system in key markets such as the US, UK and Europe will pay an additional 5% billing charge, while others will be able to use their own payment systems or direct users to complete purchases outside the app.

The company is also introducing a Registered App Stores program designed to simplify the installation of third-party Android app stores. Platforms that meet Google’s safety and quality benchmarks will receive a streamlined installation process when users sideload them.

Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat said the changes aim to expand choice for developers and consumers.

“Mobile developers will have the option to use their own billing systems… or guide users outside of their app to their own websites for purchases,” Samat said in a blog post announcing the changes.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney (pictured) welcomed the move, saying it would help transform Android into a more open platform and increase competition between app marketplaces.

As part of the agreement, Epic will return Fortnite to the Google Play Store worldwide, ending years of dispute between the companies.

The changes will begin rolling out in the US, UK and European Union by June 2026, with Australia scheduled to receive the new model by September 2026.

A global rollout is expected to continue through 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and court oversight.

The settlement still requires final approval from a US federal judge.