Google is planning to introduce Family Library, which will allow users to share purchased apps via the Google Play Store with loved ones.
In an email sent to app developers, Google has confirmed that Family Library will launch on July 2 and up to six family members will be able to access purchased apps.
"After Family Library launches, users can add paid apps to Family Library if the apps are purchased after the DDA [Developer Distribution Agreement] update takes effect on July 2, 2016," said Google. "In order to provide a seamless user experience, make sure you allow your customers to share purchases made prior to the DDA update effective date as well."
Family Library has been a much-awaited feature as Apple already offers app sharing called Family Sharing since 2014. Google Family Library will be at par with Apple Family Sharing that also allows iTunes and app purchases to be shared among a maximum of six family members.
"Pay for family purchases with the same credit card and approve kids' spending from a parent's device. Share photos, a family calendar and more to help keep everyone connected. And with an Apple Music family membership, up to six people can get full access to Apple Music too," says Apple.
Google is asking developers to enable Family Library for all past purchases. Family Library will automatically be turned on by default for all Google Play Store purchases made after July 2.
Family Library will make it easier and cheaper for family members to share apps. However, the said feature is not applicable to subscription purchases or in-app purchases.
Google offers group support on some of its other products such as Play Music. In December 2015, the company announced that up to six Google accounts can access the Play Music Family Plan for just $14.99 per month. Individual subscribers of Play Music have to pay $9.99 per month.
Customers who subscribe to Play Music have access to more than 35 million ad-free audio tracks. Google also keeps separate favorites or playlists for each member of the Play Music Family Plan.
In the United States, Google is also offering YouTube Red as part of Play Music Family Plan, which offers access to free music videos online as well as offline.
