Google Play adds rentals and pre-orders for one-rime in-app products

Google Play has announced a significant revamp to how developers manage and sell one-time products, rolling out new tools aimed at simplifying catalog management and unlocking new ways to reach users and drive revenue.

In an update posted on July 15, Google detailed a new model that separates what the product is from how it’s sold. Under this structure, developers can now configure multiple purchase options and offers for a single product, instead of creating separate SKUs for each variation.

Previously known as in-app products, one-time purchases are a core monetization strategy for mobile developers alongside subscriptions. Google says the updated framework brings the same flexibility already available for subscriptions to one-time sales — a response to developer feedback asking for more customization and reduced operational complexity.

Key Changes: Rentals, Pre-Orders, and Regional Pricing

The revamped system introduces a three-tier hierarchy for one-time products:

• One-time product: Defines what the user buys (e.g., digital currency, special items, ad removal).
• Purchase option: Details how the entitlement is delivered — including newly added options for buying or renting the item for a set period.
• Offer: Enables discounts, promotions, and pre-orders tied to a purchase option.

One highlight is the new rental option, which lets developers sell temporary access to content or features for a defined time frame. The update also introduces pre-order capabilities, allowing users to buy digital items ahead of release, with developers able to set start and end dates, apply discounts, and collect payment automatically on release day.

In addition, the changes give developers more control over regional pricing and availability, making it easier to adjust price points or roll out offers tailored to local markets. Notably, Google has removed the concept of a default price, allowing more granular pricing at the purchase-option level.

To take advantage of the new tools, developers must upgrade to PBL 8.0 and switch to the updated Play Developer API. Existing SKUs can be migrated, but older endpoints like querySkuDetailsAsync won’t support the new features. Google said it will maintain backward compatibility while PBL 7 remains in use.

The new model is designed to help studios and app makers better navigate today’s evolving monetization landscape — especially as user expectations shift and traditional one-time purchases face competition from subscriptions and live-service models.

For now, pre-order offers are only available through an Early Access Program, with wider rollout expected later this year.

Google Play’s latest update follows previous efforts to expand monetization options, including flexible subscription plans and revamped developer tools for managing digital storefronts.

Developers interested in migrating to the new system can explore the updated Play Developer Console or review the Play Developer API documentation for details on how to structure catalogs under the new hierarchy.