Google has rolled out a long-awaited revamp to how developers manage one-time products on the Play Store and it’s more than just a cosmetic change. The update introduces a new model that separates what you sell from how you sell it, giving developers more flexibility and fewer catalogue headaches.
Gone are the days when your “in-app product” was a single, rigid item. Now, each one-time product is the core asset, with multiple purchase options (like buying or renting) layered on top, and offers (discounts, preorders) attached below. This three-tier structure mirrors what developers already use for subscriptions, but is now adapted for one-off sales.
So, what does this actually change for developers?
You no longer need to create separate catalog entries just to adjust pricing or regions, one product can have many ways to sell. Preorders for one-time products are now possible, allowing developers to set start and release dates, and even offer discounts for early buyers. The concept of a “default price” has been removed, and prices can now be managed per region or offer. Existing in-app products will also be automatically migrated into this new model over time.
From a developer’s perspective, this is a step toward smarter monetization and cleaner catalog management. Fewer duplicate items, better consistency, and more control over how products are presented to different markets.
But with change comes responsibility. Developers will need to review how their existing items fit into this new structure. Misconfigured offers, regional mismatches, or migration issues could impact sales. The new model also demands more strategic thinking, structuring purchase options and offers with intention rather than simply duplicating SKUs.
In short, this update marks the beginning of a more modular, flexible, and intelligent approach to monetization on Google Play. For developers, the message is clear: the future of selling on Play is smarter — and it’s already here.