Google is updating its developer policies and announcing that it will make the use of third-party apps easier on Android 12. Changes to the policies are a result of recent issues revolving around Android app development, in-app payment systems, and difficulties faced by online businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic.
While users are able to install apps via third-party stores like Galaxy Store, Google is working on making the process even easier on Android 12, considering the developer feedback it has received. The company will reveal more information regarding the changes in the near future.
Even though Google has received a lot of criticism over its in-app payment systems, especially from Fortnite's creator Epic Games, the company doesn't seem to be doing much to make the policies around in-app payments less strict. It is persistent on the fact that ''all developers selling digital goods in their apps'' must use the Google Play billing system. Moreover, apps that are not using the system will be required to do so by September 30th, 2021 at least.
Google does seem to show some leniency for businesses that are struggling to sell ''virtual'' versions of their non-digital products and services during the pandemic, though. The company says that businesses like this won't be required to use Google Play's billing system in the near future, as it realizes that a number of businesses have been struggling in terms of converting their physical work to digital work and therefore, have trouble engaging their customers online.
“For the next 12 months, these businesses will not need to comply with our payments policy, and we will continue to reassess the situation over the next year.”, the company stated.
