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New Google Play Pass subscription bundles 350+ apps

Google is now offering a new Play Pass subscription plan that bundles hundreds of apps, ad-free, for one low monthly price.

Chris Jarrard

September 23, 2019 11:15 AM

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Android users have reason to smile today as Google will be launching their own service to offer access to a wide variety of mobile software. Google Play Pass features more than 350 premium applications that are ad-free and bereft of in-app transactions, all for the low price of $4.99 a month. The company has plans for a 10-day trial period as well as promotional subscription discounts for early adopters when the service launches later this week.

Compared to the recently detailed Apple Arcade service, Google Play Pass will offer both games and conventional applications with its subscription. Additionally, Google’s service will not carry the same terms for developers requiring exclusivity that is part of being included in the Apple Arcade ecosystem. All of the apps in the Google Play Pass subscription are already available in some form on the Play Store and the company will not be directly funding any of the software. 

Users who opt into a Google Play Pass subscription will gain instant access to the full assortment of apps. Should those apps already be installed on the user’s device, they will be automatically upgraded to the subscription version, with all the features and in-app transactions fully unlocked, including the removal of ads. It is expected that nearly two-thirds of the apps in the subscription will be games, including LIMBO, This War of Mine, and Stardew Valley.

The search giant is making the bet that Android users, who have historically been less likely to purchase applications that their iOS counterparts, will be willing to subscribe to Google Play Pass and the value it is offering. A Play Pass tab will be added to the Play Store so that subscribers can easily find offerings included with the subscription. Much like the Google Play Family Library, Play Pass members will be able to share their benefits with up to five family members. You can learn all the details about the service on the official Google blog posting.

Chris Jarrard

Contributing Tech Editor

Chris Jarrard likes playing games, crankin' tunes, and looking for fights on obscure online message boards. He understands that breakfast food is the only true food. Don't @ him.