You win some and you lose some, and Google definitely lost some in its long court battle with Epic Games over the control that it has on app distribution. A court had ordered that Google provide a more open Play Store experience to Android device owners in the United States, and that includes everyone with a Samsung Galaxy device as well.
As of today, and until the court order remains in effect, developers can tell people if it will be cheaper to buy their app, make an in-app purchase or subscription, outside the Google Play Store. This change only applies to the United States, it’s business as usual everywhere else.
No need to make payments only through the Play Store anymore
Google has confirmed that developers can freely tell users about the pricing and availability of apps outside the Google Play Store. Developers can even provide you with a link to download the app outside the Play Store and even take payments outside Google’s platform.
The use of Google Play Billing will no longer be required in apps that are distributed on the Play Store, and Google also won’t prohibit the use of any in-app payment methods that are not Play Billing, such as PayPal, direct credit card payments, and more. Developers are also free to tell you about any and all payment methods other than Play Billing.
Google had fought hard to prevent this outcome but ultimately the court ruled against it on the matter. This policy will now continue until the court order remains in effect, which is until November 1, 2027, though its likely that the internet search giant will look for all legal avenues that it can utilize to regain control.
