Google Play is launching two new programs, Apps Experience and Games Level Up, aimed at reducing fees for developers who optimize their apps and games for multiple form factors. Starting in September 2026, these programs will be available in the UK, Europe, and Australia, with a global rollout by September 2027.
Fee Reduction Details
Under the new programs, developers can benefit from reduced service fees. Generally, Google will charge 20% for in-app purchases and 10% for subscriptions. However, developers can save up to an additional 5% by ensuring their apps and games perform well on at least one additional form factor beyond phones, such as XR headsets, Android TV, or Wear OS.
Program Requirements
The Games Level Up Program requires games to be published on specified form factors with high quality starting in 2026 for Mobile & Large Screen and 2027 for XR, TV, and Auto. Quality metrics include frame rate stability, crash thresholds, and memory usage limits. Additionally, games must support federated identity integration and cloud save features.
The Apps Experience Program mandates that apps meet technical standards like stability metrics and use Jetpack Compose for consistent UI across form factors. Apps must also integrate Android design systems and maintain feature parity with non-Android platforms within three weeks when feasible.
Global Rollout Timeline
Google plans to implement these programs in stages. The initial rollout will occur in the UK, Europe, and Australia in September 2026, followed by Japan and Korea by the end of 2026. The rest of the world will gain access by September 2027. These initiatives are part of a binding term sheet filed in the Epic v. Google case.
