Google resolves dispute with Epic Games, reduces app store fees to 20%

Google has settled its longstanding dispute with Epic Games by updating its Play Store ecosystem, which includes reducing commission rates on in-app purchases to 20%.

In a blog post shared by Sameer Samat, president of Google’s Android ecosystem, the firm outlined a new business model that “decouples fees for using [its] billing system and introduces new, lower service fees.”

Google has lowered its IAP commission fees from 30% to 20%. Developers using Google Play’s billing system in the European Economic Area, the UK, and the US will pay an additional 5% service fee, while developers in other regions will pay a market-specific rate.

Developers participating in the new Apps Experience program or the revised Google Play Games Level Up program will benefit from lower rates, including a 20% service fee for existing installs and a 15% fee for new app installs.

The new service fees will take effect by June 30, 2026, in the EEC, the UK, and the US. They will be implemented in Australia by September 30, 2026, and in Korea and Japan by December 31, 2026. A global rollout is planned by September 30, 2027.

Google will introduce an optional program to support developers interested in sideloading qualified third-party app stores. The program will launch outside the US first, pending court approval of the settlement with Epic.

Last November, Google and Epic reached an agreement that permitted third-party app stores on Android devices worldwide and introduced a recommended 20% commission fee.

“We believe these changes will make for a stronger Android ecosystem with even more successful developers and higher-quality apps and games available across more form factors for everyone,” said Samat. “We look forward to our continued work with the developer community to build the next generation of digital experiences.”

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney responded to the announcement, confirming that Fortnite will soon return to Google Play stores globally.

“Epic Games Store continues supporting Android worldwide alongside Windows and Mac, and installation on Android will become much easier later in 2026.”