Daily Tech News Show Epic and Google Reach Third-party App Store Peace - DTNS 5219
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Mar 5, 2026 AI Snips
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Epic Google Settlement Enables Easier Third Party Stores
- Google and Epic negotiated a revised settlement that allows third-party Android app stores, lower fees (5–20%), and a simplified installation flow for registered stores.
- The deal restores Play Store catalog mirroring and sets a 10% fee for ongoing subscriptions, with rollout by June 30 in US, UK, and EU.
Match Your App Model To The New Google Fee Menu
- Developers should map their business model to Google's new fee tiers to choose the cheapest distribution path (5–20% depending on case).
- Consider using third-party stores for lower fees on subscriptions and new installs, since rates vary by installation and product type.
Registered Stores May Replace Play Store Registration
- Registered third-party app stores can offer a simplified install flow and may not require developers to separately register with Google if the store is registered.
- Epic will participate and plans to bring Fortnite back to Google Play once approved, restoring parental-control access.