Google I/O 2026: What’s New in Google Play and Play Billing Library 9.0

On May 19, 2026, Google Play Billing Library 9.0.0 was released alongside major updates at I/O 2026, marking significant enhancements in app discovery, billing, and developer tools. The latest version introduces features like in-app messaging for opt-in price increases, delayed charging to reduce involuntary churn, and an extended account recovery window, all aimed at minimizing user attrition. Google is expanding app and content recommendations beyond the Play Store with over 450,000 movies and shows available through the Gemini app. The Engage SDK has seen a 45% year-over-year increase in app opens, while new surfaces like Play Shorts and Ask Play enhance user interaction with short-form videos and AI-driven search capabilities. For games, the Sidekick AI overlay offers tips without needing SDK integration. The Play Console now supports AI-assisted localization and catalog management, allowing for faster market expansion and streamlined SKU management. The updates also include enhanced analytics and security features with the Protected with Play dashboard, reflecting Google's commitment to improved app discovery, user engagement, and fraud protection. Overall, v9 builds on the foundation laid by v8, offering incremental but impactful updates for developers.