Google's new payment policies are a preview of what could come to Apple platforms

appleinsider.com Jun 25, 2026

Google’s new payment policies are a preview of what could come to Apple platforms

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 25, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google has announced new payment policies for its Google Play store, set to take effect on June 30 in the US, UK, and EU. The changes include a lower commission rate, a separate billing fee, and the option for developers to use external linking and alternative payment methods. This move is seen as a significant shift from Google's previous policies, and it may set a precedent for other companies, including Apple, which has faced similar criticism over its own commission rates.

💡 Why It Matters

· The new Google Play policies may be a sign that Apple's commission rates are no longer sustainable, and the company may be forced to revisit its own policies in light of the changes.
· The secretive deal between Google and Epic Games, which resulted in Google's new policies, has also raised questions about the influence of large tech companies on the app store market.

Read full article on appleinsider.com

Instagram now supports using Google Cast to watch Reels on your TV

Instagram has expanded its capabilities by introducing support for watching Reels on TVs using Google Cast. The feature allows users to cast Reels from their phone to their TV in a few taps, making it easier to share content with others. This rollout includes Chromecast devices, TVs with Cast built in, and Google TV and Android TV devices, which can play Reels without the need for additional apps. The Cast icon appears in the top right corner of the app.

💡 The integration of Google Cast with Instagram Reels marks a significant shift towards a more seamless viewing experience, blurring the lines between mobile and TV content. By making it easier to share Reels on a larger screen, Instagram is poised to further increase user engagement and potentially alter the way people consume video content.

venturebeat.com · Jun 25

How Shopify built an AI stack that doesn’t care which models survive

Shopify has developed an AI stack that allows engineers to access multiple AI providers without interruption, using a proxy that automatically switches to a different provider if one goes down or changes. This system, which gives every engineer access to multiple AI providers, has been tested in real-world scenarios, including the shutdown of Claude Fable 5, and has proven to be effective in minimizing disruption. The company also uses a strategy called distillation, which involves training smaller language models to perform specific tasks, resulting in faster and cheaper models with improved accuracy.

💡 The significance of Shopify's AI stack lies in its ability to mitigate the risks associated with relying on a single AI provider, which can be vulnerable to shutdowns or updates. By diversifying their AI infrastructure, enterprises can reduce their dependence on a single provider and improve their overall resilience.

techcrunch.com · Jun 25

Facebook rolls out an AI companion app for creators

Facebook has launched an AI companion app designed to help creators grow their audiences on the social network. The app, currently being tested with select creators, features an AI creator assistant that provides personalized recommendations based on content style, performance, audience engagement, and goals. The app also includes an AI-powered comment tool and a daily feed of priorities, such as reviewing post performance and tracking progress toward goals. The move is part of Meta's efforts to compete with rivals like TikTok and YouTube and to keep creators active on Facebook.

💡 Facebook's AI companion app is a strategic move to retain creators and stay competitive in the social media landscape. By providing AI-driven tools and personalized recommendations, Facebook aims to eliminate the need for creators to turn to third-party tools, thereby increasing user engagement and loyalty.

9to5google.com · Jun 25

Google opens the Play Store to external billing in the US, UK,…

Google will open the Play Store to external payments on June 30 in the US, UK, and Europe, following a years-long legal dispute with Epic Games. The new policy allows Android developers to use external billing alongside Play Store distribution, with fees starting at 10% on the first $1 million in annual earnings. Developers can use Google Play Billing, alternative billing, or external links for billing outside the app. Fees will be lower for new installs and auto-renewing subscriptions, with a 5% billing fee applying to Google Play's billing system. The changes aim to provide more flexibility for developers.

💡 Lower fees and external billing options may attract more developers to the Play Store, increasing competition and innovation. Alternative billing methods can also reduce Google's control over in-app transactions.

9to5google.com · Jun 25

YouTube TV subscribers win in lawsuit against Disney over driving up streaming…

YouTube TV subscribers have won a lawsuit against Disney, with the company settling for $50 million. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, accused Disney of entering anticompetitive agreements that drove up the cost of streaming live TV services. Disney required its partners to distribute ESPN in base packages, increasing costs. The settlement is eligible for subscribers of YouTube TV and other services between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2026. Disney must consider offering partners the option to carry fewer channels, including ESPN. The lawsuit was filed after YouTube TV's price jumped to $65, a significant hike from its original $35 price tag.

💡 Disney's settlement may set a precedent for other media companies to reconsider their carriage agreement mandates. The case highlights the impact of Disney's pricing strategies on the streaming market, particularly for live TV services.

9to5google.com · Jun 24

GM just ‘unlocked’ over 200 Android Automotive apps, including YouTube, for its…

General Motors (GM) has announced that its Google built-in vehicles will support over 200 new Android Automotive apps, including popular streaming services like YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu. This update is part of a software rollout that will allow passengers to access a wide range of content on their own screens, including movies, shows, songs, podcasts, and live radio and TV channels. The new apps will be available on the center display and passenger screens in GM SUVs, starting with model year 2025 and newer vehicles.

💡 The addition of streaming services to GM vehicles with Google built-in marks a significant shift in the automotive industry, where entertainment is becoming a key differentiator. As consumers increasingly expect seamless connectivity and personalized experiences, GM's move to integrate popular streaming services directly into its vehicles may set a new standard for the industry.