Google to allow limited use of alternative billing systems in EU; no word from Apple

By Joe Rossignol, MacRumors

In response to the Digital Markets Act receiving final approval from the Council of the European Union this week, Google on Tuesday announced that it now allows developers of non-gaming apps to offer alternative billing systems to users in the European Economic Area (EEA), including countries in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Google said it expects to expand its alternative billing system program to developers of gaming apps for users in the EEA in advance of the Digital Markets Act’s effective date, which is at least six months away, according to the European Council.

Google Play’s billing system will continue to be required for all apps distributed through the store in all other countries, including the United States.

Apple has yet to announce any plans to allow App Store apps to offer alternative billing systems to users throughout the EEA.

[Google and Apple restrictions on use of payment systems outside their respective payment systems is at the heart of continuing antitrust lawsuits against each company by Cary, N.C.-based Epic Games.]

For more details, read the full story at MacRumors:

https://www.macrumors.com/2022/07/19/google-lets-apps-offer-alternative-payments-eu/