A new service has been announced for the Android Play Store. The Google Play Pass gives subscribers access to ad-free apps in the apps store as well as sans any in-app purchases.

What makes this service different that Apple’s Acrade is that the Play Pass is for both apps and games, so a flat fee is all you need to get full access to full app support such as Stardew Valley, Monument Valley, Limbo, and Risk for games and AccuWeather/ Hi-Q Recorder for apps.

The new service may change how apps are purchased (or not purchased) in the app store. While apps can still be purchased individually, the presence of a flat-fee subscription service may mean that we may see less paid apps, and more sub-based app plans instead. A Netflix of Play Store in a way.

This may also be a double-edge sword as app developers could get lower revenue from their apps since the flat price structure will mean developers can’t charge higher prices for their apps. We will have to wait and see for this outcome in the near future – if it happens.