Google Play policy: service-fee separation, external payments, sideloading, Fortnite relisting & Aptoide antitrust suit
Key Questions
What are the main changes in Google's March 2026 Google Play policy?
The policy separates a ~5% Play service charge and allows external or webshop links with in-app purchase fees of 20% for new users and 10% for subscriptions. It also enables advanced sideloading from June to September 2026 in Brazil and Indonesia with a $25 fee, and introduces Android 17 Registered App Stores.
What is the Aptoide antitrust lawsuit against Google about?
Aptoide accuses Google of maintaining an Android app store monopoly by blocking their store through Play Protect, OEM locks, and other practices, affecting 200M users and 436k apps. The suit claims these actions stifle lower commissions and seeks injunctions challenging Google's distribution and billing dominance.
Has Fortnite been relisted on Google Play?
Yes, Fortnite was relisted on Google Play on March 19, 2026, following the new policy allowing external payments and links.
What impact has Play Protect had on alternative app stores like Aptoide?
Play Protect has blocked installations, causing 30% drops in installs for alternative stores. Aptoide alleges it specifically blocks 436k of their apps, contributing to Google's alleged monopoly.
What is the current status of the Aptoide antitrust suit?
The suit is escalating with an April briefing before Judge Donato, which risks delaying any settlement. Aptoide is pushing for a San Francisco injunction to challenge Google's app distribution and billing practices.
March 2026 policy separates ~5% Play service charge, allows external/webshop links/IAP 20% new/10% subs; Play Protect blocks (30% install drops), advanced sideloading June-Sept 2026 (Brazil/Indonesia/$25 fee), Android 17 Registered App Stores. Fortnite relisted Mar 19; Aptoide antitrust suit escalates vs Google monopoly (200M users/436k apps blocked via Play Protect/OEM locks, lower commissions stifled, SF injunction push challenging distro/billing). Judge Donato April briefing risks settlement delays.