this post was submitted on 20 Dec 2025
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Android introduces $2-4 install fee and 10–20% cut for US external content links (support.google.com)
submitted 4 days ago by misk@piefed.social to c/technology@piefed.social
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[–] sem@piefed.blahaj.zone 4 points 4 days ago

Developers currently using links to app downloads or transactions need to enroll in this program and meet these requirements by January 28, 2026.

In the future, Google intends to apply a service fee on successful transactions and downloads completed via external content links. At this time, however, Google is not assessing these fees and is therefore not requiring developers in this program to report these transactions or downloads to Google.

The external content links program allows developers of Google Play-distributed apps to link users in the United States to external content, including to purchase in-app digital items or to download an app whose install and updates are not managed by Google Play. Additionally, developers can offer external links to purchase in-app digital items in lieu of or alongside Google Play Billing.

Developers must meet the eligibility and requirements set out below, and successfully complete their enrollment in this program prior to using external content links.