Optimizing your payments flow for the latest Google Play Store updates

Following the Epic Games vs. Google verdict, new opportunities are emerging, and businesses can now link non-Google payment processing options for apps within the Google Play Store – reshaping how you can optimize your revenue streams. 

While there may be a potential Supreme Court review, Google has already implemented revisions to its Google Play Store requirements to comply with the court’s order. This shift marks an important moment for the app economy. In this article, we’ll unpack what the ruling means for businesses, what the current options look like following the latest Google Play Store changes, and how Checkout.com can help you take advantage of new payment flows.

Setting the scene: What’s happened so far

Until recently, Google required nearly all in-app purchases on the Google Play Store to use its proprietary billing system. This approach meant developers paid a fee of up to 30%, depending on revenue volume and product category. Because of this, and Google’s ban on external payment systems, Epic Games took Google to court in 2020 – alleging these requirements constituted an unlawful monopoly. 

At trial, the jury ruled in favor of Epic Games, and Google is now required to make changes to its Google Play Store and the Google Play Billing service in the US. 

Permitting external links for payment within apps on the Google Play Store

US merchants can now bypass the Google Play Billing system and send app users to an external payment system, like one facilitated by Checkout.com, for in-app transactions. 

Merchants no longer need to pay commission payments previously imposed on in-app purchases (currently nearly 30%) by Google. 

By being able to present users with a choice between Google Play Billing and another approved payment provider, you gain greater control over your customer experience and transaction costs.

How Checkout.com supports flexible payment flows

For businesses exploring the recent updates or preparing for potential regulatory changes, Checkout.com offers the infrastructure and flexibility to manage high-performing payment experiences outside the Google Play Store.

You can choose from two primary approaches:

• Redirect payments to a hosted checkout page: Direct users from your app to a secure, fully hosted payment page via Checkout.com’s Flow solution.
  
  
• Embed Flow within your website: Direct users to your website for payment. Once successfully processed, users will be automatically redirected back to your app.
  
  

After a successful payment, customers can be automatically redirected back to your app, ensuring a smooth user journey.

For technical implementation guidance, please review our integration documentation or reach out to your Checkout.com account manager for hands-on support.

Redirect app payments to your own website (with Flow embedded)

What to consider before implementation

It’s important to understand that Google’s User Choice Billing program and any changes resulting from the Epic case currently apply only to the sale of digital goods and services – such as games, media, and in-app subscriptions.

For merchants selling physical goods or services consumed outside the app, Checkout.com’s Flow for Mobile SDK remains the recommended solution to ensure a smooth checkout experience.

It’s also worth noting that Google still charges a reduced service fee (typically 4 percentage points lower than the standard Google Play Store rate) for transactions processed through external billing. Google also retains control over certain elements of the flow, including refund management and in-app disclosure requirements.

Epic Games vs. Apple battle

There’s another ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple that’s following a similar path. Just like with the Google Play Store, Apple previously required the majority of in-app purchases on the App Store to use Apple’s native in-app purchase system. This meant merchants were paying between 15% to 30% in commission fees. 

However, a ruling by the US District Court in April 2025 led Apple to update its App Store guidelines. Apple was held in contempt of court for its alleged lack of compliance with the court's injunction. Apple is currently appealing the contempt order; however, businesses in the US can currently send users to an external website to complete transactions outside the app. This allows you to optimize your revenue.

Preparing for the future of app store payments

The outcome of the Epic Games vs. Google battle will shape how in-app payments work across the Android ecosystem for years to come. 

Checkout.com is actively monitoring developments across both this case and Epic Game’s similar battle with Apple, providing insights and tools that help businesses adapt quickly to change. Whether you’re looking to reduce platform fees, streamline payment operations, or maintain compliance as new rules emerge, our team can help you design a strategy that works.