Android App Development Contract: Milestones and App Store Rights (Service Provider Guide)

For mobile app developers and development studios, the fastest way to turn a promising Android build into a margin-killing mess is to start work without a clear android app development contract. When scope changes pile up, approvals happen in Slack, and launch responsibilities are assumed instead of agreed, you end up with disputes over payment timing, “done” definitions, and who controls the Google Play listing.

This guide is written from the service provider perspective (freelance Android developers, agencies, and dev studios). It breaks down two of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of an android developer contract:

1. Milestones (how you define deliverables, acceptance, and payment triggers), and
2. App Store rights (who owns and controls Google Play Console access, listings, releases, and transfer obligations).

Along the way, you’ll see what to include in an app development contract sample and how to adapt a mobile app developer agreement template to real-world Android projects.

Note: This article is informational and not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your jurisdiction and specific deal.

---

Why milestones and app store rights matter more on Android than you think

Android projects tend to involve more device variability, OS fragmentation, and release management nuance (internal testing tracks, staged rollouts, Play Console roles, keystore signing). Contracts that only say “Developer will build an Android app for $X” almost guarantee misalignment.

From a service provider’s viewpoint, milestones and app store rights are where you prevent:

• Unpaid work caused by vague deliverables (“MVP” means different things to different people)
• Endless revisions (“just one more change” without change orders)
• Launch hostage situations (client demands Play Store submission without final payment)
• Account access risks (you being added as an Owner on a client’s Play Console; or worse, being asked to publish under your developer account)
• IP and operational confusion (who owns the listing, app name, graphics, screenshots, signing keys, and release notes)

A solid android app development contract makes these items explicit.

---

Part 1: Milestones that protect your schedule, cash flow, and scope

Milestones are not just project management—they’re contractual triggers for payment, acceptance, and next-step obligations. In an android developer contract, milestones should answer four questions:

1. What exactly will be delivered?
2. When is it due (or how is timing measured)?
3. How is it accepted (and by whom)?
4. What payment is released upon acceptance (or delivery)?

1) Define deliverables in objective, testable terms

Avoid milestone descriptions like “Build the app” or “Finish UI.” Instead, tie deliverables to artifacts and measurable outcomes. For example:

• A working APK/AAB build delivered via Google Play Internal Testing or Firebase App Distribution
• A clickable Figma prototype (if design is included)
• A Git tag / release branch matching a version number (e.g., v0.9.0-rc1)
• A list of implemented user stories from a mutually agreed backlog
• Test evidence: unit test coverage threshold, QA checklist, device matrix testing

Service provider tip: If the client provides specs, incorporate them by reference (SOW, backlog, or PRD) and state that anything outside that set is handled via change order.

2) Use milestone-based payments (not just hourly or “50/50”)

Even if you bill hourly, milestone checkpoints keep approvals and cash flow predictable. Common structures:

• Deposit / kickoff payment (non-refundable, reserves capacity)
• Milestone payments tied to key deliverables (prototype, alpha, beta, release candidate)
• Final payment tied to handover deliverables and/or app store submission support

A simple milestone schedule in your mobile app developer agreement template could look like:

• Milestone 1 — Discovery & Architecture (10–20%)
  Deliverables: technical plan, backlog refinement, architecture diagram, CI/CD setup
• Milestone 2 — Core Features (30–40%)
  Deliverables: authentication, core flows, basic UI, initial API integration
• Milestone 3 — Beta & QA (20–30%)
  Deliverables: feature complete build, bug fixes, performance pass, analytics integrated
• Milestone 4 — Release Support & Handover (10–20%)
  Deliverables: Play Store assets support, release build, documentation, knowledge transfer

3) Add acceptance criteria and an acceptance timeline

Acceptance is where projects get stuck. Your android app development contract should include:

• Acceptance window (e.g., 5–10 business days after delivery)
• Default acceptance (if the client does not respond within the window, deliverable is deemed accepted)
• Rejection requirements (client must provide a written list of material nonconformities)
• Bug severity definitions (what blocks acceptance vs. what goes to a post-launch backlog)

Example acceptance language (conceptual, not legal advice):

• Client will review each milestone deliverable within X business days. If Client does not provide written notice of nonconformity within that period, the deliverable is deemed accepted.

4) Separate “bug fixes” from “new features” (and define warranty scope)

Studios often get trapped in an undefined “bug fixing” phase that becomes a stealth feature expansion. In your app development contract sample, include:

• A limited warranty period (e.g., 30 days) for fixing reproducible defects that materially deviate from agreed specs
• Explicit exclusions: OS updates, new devices, third-party API changes, changes requested after acceptance, app store policy changes unless included

5) Change orders: your escape hatch from scope creep

Every professional android developer contract needs a change control mechanism:

• Trigger: any request outside the agreed scope or any change impacting timeline/cost
• Process: written change order with revised estimate + schedule
• Work starts only after approval (and sometimes after payment)

You don’t need to be adversarial—just operationally clear.

6) Dependencies and client responsibilities (you can’t milestone what you don’t control)

To keep milestones enforceable, specify what the client must provide and when:

• API documentation, staging endpoints, credentials
• Brand assets, copy, privacy policy URL
• Test accounts, payment gateway credentials
• Access to Play Console, Firebase, Google Cloud, etc.
• Timely feedback and a single decision-maker

If the client delays dependencies, add an explicit contract clause allowing timeline adjustments and reserving your right to re-slot the project.

---

Part 2: App Store rights—Google Play Console access, listings, and publishing control

App store rights are a frequent conflict point because “publishing” involves both legal rights (who owns the account/listing) and technical control (who holds signing keys, who can push releases).

1) Decide whose Google Play developer account is used

From a service provider perspective, the safest default is:

• The client publishes under the client’s Google Play developer account, and
• You are granted least-privilege access needed to do your job.

Publishing under your agency account creates major problems:

• The client may claim you “own” the app listing and ratings history
• You carry compliance risk (policy violations affect your whole account)
• Account transfer later can be painful or impossible depending on setup

Your android app development contract should state clearly:

• The Play Console account used for release
• Who pays account fees
• Who is responsible for maintaining the account in good standing

2) Define Play Console roles and access levels (principle of least privilege)

Google Play Console supports roles like Admin, Release Manager, etc. Your contract can specify:

• Client must invite developer/studio within X days of kickoff
• Access includes permissions necessary for: internal testing tracks, production releases, store listing updates (if applicable)
• Client remains Owner; provider is not required to accept Owner role

This helps avoid security and compliance issues while keeping delivery smooth.

3) Clarify who owns the app listing content and creative assets

The “app store” includes more than the binary:

• App title, short description, full description
• Screenshots, feature graphics, promo videos
• Privacy policy link and data safety disclosures
• Keywords/ASO (even if Android is less keyword-driven than iOS)

Your android developer contract should specify whether you’re responsible for:

• Drafting listing copy (and in what language)
• Designing store creatives (often excluded unless you’re full-service)
• Filling out Data Safety forms (you may need client input)

If you do provide these, define them as a milestone deliverable with acceptance criteria.

4) App signing, keystores, and release keys: the most important “right” nobody talks about

On Android, control of the signing key effectively controls the app’s update path. Contracts should address:

• Whether the app uses Play App Signing
• Who controls the upload key and where it is stored
• Whether you will generate keys or the client will
• What happens at handoff (secure transfer, deletion from your systems)

From a service provider perspective, best practice is:

• Client owns the keys; you may generate them but must transfer securely and delete local copies after confirmation.

If you are maintaining CI/CD pipelines that sign builds, describe your security practices and responsibilities.

5) Submission obligations: “support” vs. “guarantee acceptance”

Clients sometimes expect developers to guarantee approval on Google Play. That’s risky: Google’s policies change, and approvals can be delayed or rejected for reasons outside your control.

In your app development contract sample, distinguish:

• Submission support (you prepare assets, build, and help upload)
  vs.
• Approval guarantee (generally not recommended)

A balanced approach:

• You will make commercially reasonable efforts to comply with Play policies as of the submission date.
• Client is responsible for business/legal compliance (privacy policy accuracy, claims, regulated content, account verification).

6) Who can push updates after launch?

Your contract should clarify post-launch operations:

• Do you provide maintenance/retainer services?
• Are hotfixes included for a limited time?
• Does the client have internal staff who will take over?

If you hand over to the client, define handoff deliverables:

• Repo access and documentation
• Build instructions
• CI/CD configuration export (where feasible)
• Admin credentials transfer checklist (not passwords in email)

---

Putting it together: a milestone structure that aligns with app store rights

Here’s a practical way to align both topics inside an android app development contract:

1. Milestones define deliverables and payment triggers (builds, features, QA, docs).
2. App store rights define who controls publishing and keys (Play Console access, app signing ownership, listing assets).
3. Final milestone is tied to handover + release support, not “app is live” (because “live” depends on client approvals, Google review timelines, and policy factors).

This combination reduces disputes where a client refuses final payment because the app isn’t approved yet—even though you delivered a compliant build and submission package.

---

Common pitfalls in an Android app development contract (service provider edition)

Pitfall 1: “Milestone = time period” with no deliverables

“Milestone 2: Week 4” isn’t enforceable without defined outputs.

Pitfall 2: No acceptance process

Without an acceptance window and default acceptance, clients can delay sign-off indefinitely.

Pitfall 3: Publishing under the developer’s Play account

This is one of the biggest operational and liability traps for studios.

Pitfall 4: Vague IP language around pre-existing code

Your contract should state what you’re licensing vs. assigning. If you use reusable libraries, internal frameworks, or templates, clarify they remain yours and the client receives a license to use them as part of the app.

Pitfall 5: No clause for third-party services

Android apps often rely on:

• Firebase, Google Maps, Stripe, social logins, analytics, push notifications
  Specify who pays, who owns the accounts, and that third-party terms apply.

---

What your “template” should include (and what clients expect)

If you’re looking for a mobile app developer agreement template, make sure it includes at least:

• Scope of work + deliverables (SOW or backlog incorporated by reference)
• Milestones + fees + payment schedule
• Acceptance testing and review timelines
• Change order process
• IP ownership + license for pre-existing materials
• Confidentiality and data handling (especially if you access production data)
• Warranties and limitation of liability
• Termination and kill fees (payment for work performed + committed costs)
• App store rights: Play Console access, listing ownership, signing keys, submission responsibilities
• Maintenance and support options (retainer or hourly)

When people ask for an app development contract sample, what they usually need is a structure that prevents ambiguity—not a one-size-fits-all PDF. Your best “sample” is a modular contract where the SOW and milestone table can change per project while the legal backbone stays consistent.

---

FAQ: milestones and app store rights in Android developer contracts

How detailed should milestone descriptions be?

Detailed enough that a third party could tell whether you delivered. Tie milestones to artifacts (builds, Git tags, checklists), not subjective feelings.

Should final payment be due when the app is live on Google Play?

Typically no. Tie final payment to delivery + submission support, not approval. Google’s review process and client account verification can delay launch.

Can a client require you to publish under your studio’s Play account?

They can ask, but it’s risky for you. If you do it, price for risk, add strict indemnities, and define transfer steps—but the better practice is publishing under the client’s account.

Who should own the signing keys?

Best practice: the client owns them. Your contract should specify how keys are generated, stored, and transferred, and when you delete copies.

What if the client refuses to provide Play Console access?

Your milestones should reflect dependencies. If access is required for a milestone, you can’t be late if they don’t provide it; timelines shift accordingly.

---

Other questions to continue learning

• What clauses should be in an Android app maintenance agreement after launch?
• How do you structure a change order clause for agile sprints without slowing delivery?
• What’s the best way to define “MVP” in a contract to avoid scope creep?
• How should IP assignment work if you use open-source libraries or internal frameworks?
• What security and privacy terms should be included if the app processes personal data?
• How do you handle paid third-party APIs (Firebase, Maps, Stripe) in pricing and ownership?
• What’s the difference between “work made for hire” and IP assignment in software contracts?
• How do you contractually handle app store policy changes during development?
• What acceptance criteria should you use for performance, crash rate, and device compatibility?
• How should a studio handle subcontractors under an android app development contract?

---

Final take: protect deliverables with milestones and protect launch with app store rights

A well-structured android app development contract doesn’t just reduce legal risk—it improves delivery. Clear milestones keep scope and payments aligned, while app store rights prevent last-minute launch chaos and account-control disputes. If you’re updating your android developer contract, start by tightening milestone definitions, acceptance timelines, change orders, and Play Console/signing key responsibilities.

If you want a faster way to generate a developer-friendly agreement (including milestone tables and app store rights language you can customize), you can use Contractable, an AI-powered contract generator: https://www.contractable.ai