<div id="readability-page-1"><figure> <img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/STK452_Google_Antitrust__Monopoly_Kristen_Radtke.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAsMTAwLDEwMCZxdWFsaXR5PTkwJnN0cmlwPWFsbA?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" width="2040" height="1360" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/STK452_Google_Antitrust__Monopoly_Kristen_Radtke.jpg/query-Y3JvcD0wLDAsMTAwLDEwMCZxdWFsaXR5PTkwJnN0cmlwPWFsbA"/> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> Today was the deadline for Google to reveal how it's complying with Judge James Donato's order to crack open Android for third-party app stores, stop illegally tying its Google Play Billing system to its app store, and let developers link to ways to download their apps outside the Play Store in the US. But Google isn't just letting app developers do things however and whenever they'd like. The company's quietly updated its support pages with a January 28th deadline to enroll in specific Google programs for &#34;alternative billing&#34; and &#34;external content links&#34; - and these programs will come with large alternative fees of their own, assuming Jud … Read the full story at The Verge.</div>

GOOGL

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Google must comply with a court order to allow third-party app stores and alternative billing on Android. Developers can link to external app downloads, but must enroll in Google's programs by January 28th, incurring fees of $2–4 per install. This move follows Judge Donato's ruling against Google's illegal practices with its Play Billing system.

- Google faced a deadline to comply with a court order regarding third-party app stores and billing processes.  
- The company updated its support pages with a new deadline of January 28th for developers to enroll in specific programs for alternative billing and external links.  
- These programs will introduce significant fees, indicating Google's controlled approach to app development despite the ruling.

Want to link from Google’s app store to your app? That’ll be $2–4 per install