Google Play adds metered subscription billing for Android apps

Google Play is introducing usage-based subscription billing, giving Android developers a way to charge against a prepaid balance that automatically tops up when it falls below a set threshold. Google points to generative AI apps and other metered services as intended uses. The company is also adding transactions for multiple subscription seats, carts combining subscriptions with one-time products, and bundles across developers. These options give developers more ways to sell variable usage and group purchases through Play. The features are either available now or rolling out through Google's Early Access Program.