Google to allow third-party app stores on Play Store starting next week

Google has agreed to allow third-party app stores to be distributed through its Google Play Store starting next week, marking a significant shift in the company’s approach to app distribution on Android. The move follows the withdrawal of a proposed settlement between Google and Epic Games, which had aimed to avoid the court-ordered changes. Instead, Google will comply with the original 2024 injunction from U.S. District Judge James Donato, which mandated the inclusion of rival app stores within the Play Store and access to its app catalog.

The decision comes after a six-year legal battle that began in 2020 when Epic Games sued Google, alleging that the company maintained an illegal monopoly over Android app distribution. A federal jury in December 2023 ruled in favor of Epic, finding Google guilty of anticompetitive practices. The ruling was upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2025, leading to a permanent injunction requiring Google to open its platform to third-party app stores. Google had previously sought to modify the injunction, proposing a “Registered App Stores” program that would have required users to sideload alternative stores, but the court rejected this approach.

Under the original injunction, Google will begin distributing third-party app stores via the Play Store on July 22, 2026. These stores will have access to the full Google Play catalog of apps, though developers can opt out of having their apps included. Google will charge third-party app stores an annual fee of $5,000 for “security and policy reviews,” along with requirements such as restricting distribution to the U.S., maintaining non-discriminatory trust-and-safety policies, and limiting malware to no more than 1% of install attempts. The company emphasized that it will not unreasonably block third-party store clients uploaded to the Play Store.

The shift represents a major overhaul of Android’s app ecosystem. Previously, third-party stores had to rely on sideloading, a process that many users found cumbersome. By integrating them directly into the Play Store, Google aims to simplify access while complying with the court’s mandate. However, the changes apply only to the U.S. For now, with global markets continuing under the Registered App Stores model. This two-track system means that users outside the U.S. Will still need to sideload alternative app stores, while U.S. Users will see third-party options alongside Google’s own store.

The move also reshapes app billing and developer relations. Google has reduced its Play Store commission fees to 20% for in-app purchases, down from 30%, and allows developers to use external billing systems. This follows a broader trend of platform operators facing regulatory pressure to lower fees and increase competition. Epic Games, which had previously been barred from the Play Store after its 2020 dispute with Google, returned to the platform in March 2026, signaling the practical impact of the court’s ruling.

Google’s decision to withdraw its challenge to the injunction reflects a strategic pivot. In a statement, the company cited the need to “focus on executing its global business model evolution” while maintaining security and fostering competition. The move also aligns with broader regulatory pressures, including the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which requires tech giants to permit alternative app stores and sideloading. However, the U.S. Changes remain limited to mobile and tablet devices, leaving other regions and platforms under different rules.

The implications for developers and users are profound. Third-party app stores now have a direct path to Android’s vast user base, potentially disrupting Google’s dominance. For developers, the ability to bypass Google’s billing system and offer lower fees could significantly boost revenues. However, the success of this model will depend on how effectively third-party stores can attract users and maintain trust. Microsoft, Amazon, and others may now explore opportunities to expand their presence on Android, though challenges remain in overcoming network effects and ensuring compliance with Google’s requirements.

As the July 22 deadline approaches, the tech industry watches closely. The integration of third-party app stores into the Play Store marks a turning point in the fight over app distribution, reflecting the growing influence of judicial and regulatory forces in shaping platform economics. For now, the U.S. Market stands as a test case for a more open and competitive Android ecosystem.