● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 neutral
Google Play introduces Usage-Based Billing and new subscription options for developers
Key points
- Usage-Based Billing supports generative AI apps.
- Multi-Quantity Subscriptions for bulk purchases.
- Mixed Carts combine subscriptions and one-time items.
- Cross-Developer Bundling allows combined subscriptions.
New Billing Options for Developers
Google Play is expanding its payment options for Android developers with the introduction of Usage-Based Billing. This new model, described as "prepaid metered billing," allows users to automatically top up their balance when it falls below a set threshold, supporting applications like generative AI apps and other usage-based services.
Subscription Features for Organizations and Bundles
For larger groups such as businesses and schools, Google Play is implementing Multi-Quantity Subscription Purchase. This feature enables organizations to buy multiple subscriptions in a single transaction and assign them as seats or subscriptions to team members or students.
Developers can now use Mixed Carts to sell auto-renewing subscriptions and one-time products simultaneously. This unified experience also facilitates upsell opportunities, such as offering discounts for bundled purchases of subscriptions and complementary in-app items.
Cross-Developer Collaboration
Cross-Developer Bundling is another new capability, allowing developers to create and sell bundles of two or more complementary subscriptions from their own catalog or in collaboration with other developers. An example provided is bundling a language-learning app with a travel guide service for a combined, discounted subscription.
Availability
These new Google Play Store features are currently available or are being rolled out through Google's Early Access Program.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Google Play is adding new subscription features for Android developers, including Usage-Based Billing for generative AI apps, Multi-Quantity Subscription Purchase for organizations, Mixed Carts for combining subscriptions and one-time products, and Cross-Developer Bundling. These changes provide developers with more flexible monetization models and are rolling out via an Early Access Program.