Beginning July 22, third-party Android app stores in the U.S. will gain access to Google Play’s app catalog through the Play Catalog Access Program, allowing them to offer apps and games submitted by developers directly to users.

Apps downloaded through third-party Android stores will still be processed by Google Play, with standard service fees continuing to apply. Google says the change is being introduced to comply with a court order from its ongoing legal dispute with Epic Games.

Figure 1. Google Brings Alternative App Stores to Android

Google and Epic Games’ 2025 settlement introduced a “Registered App Stores” program designed to simplify installation of approved third-party app stores. However, Google is now moving away from that approach and changing how alternative app stores will be supported on Android. Figure 1 shows Google Brings Alternative App Stores to Android.

According to The Verge, Google and Epic Games have withdrawn their modified settlement proposal and will no longer pursue it in court. Instead, Google’s Play Catalog Access Program will allow users to download third-party app stores directly through Google Play.

Google and Epic Games have agreed to withdraw their request to modify the court’s injunction, aiming to reduce uncertainty for the Android ecosystem. Google says it will focus on expanding app store choice, lowering costs, supporting developers, and maintaining Android’s security while complying with the court order.

Third-party app stores joining Google’s program must pay a $5,000 security review fee during onboarding and another $5,000 annually to maintain access to the Play catalog. They must also meet strict requirements, including limiting Play-distributed apps to users in the United States.

As part of its settlement with Epic Games, Google is expanding Android’s app ecosystem by allowing external billing options on the Play Store and reducing its commission on app purchases from 30% to 10%. Developers can now offer alternative payment methods or direct users to their own websites for purchases.

References:

1. https://www.engadget.com/2215452/google-allow-third-party-app-stores-android-july-22/

Cite this article:

Janani R (2026), Google to Allow Third-Party App Stores on Android, AnaTechMaz, pp. 378