Google has announced changes to its commission model for Play Store. The fixed 30% fee is disappearing to make way for a variable system that depends on the developer's revenue and their use of its billing system. This will allow users to pay directly to app and subscription creators, opening the door to lower prices and greater competition in the Android app store.
The new billing model and its technical implications 🛠️
Developers with annual revenues under $1 million will see a reduced commission of 15%, while those exceeding that amount will pay 30% only if they opt for Google's billing system. If they choose an alternative payment processor, the commission drops to 12% for subscriptions and 10% for digital transactions. This technical change requires integrating new APIs and adjusting payment flows, but promises a more flexible and transparent ecosystem.
And users, will they still be paying for Google's intern's coffee? ☕
Finally, we can pay less for that app we use to count calories or for the subscription to the photo editor we barely touch. Google has realized that charging 30% was like asking for a tip for opening the door. Now, developers will be able to offer more human prices, and we, as users, will be able to save up to buy a coffee or, directly, to avoid having to sell a kidney for a premium subscription.