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

Google will begin allowing third-party app stores to distribute apps through its Play Store starting July 22, 2026, following the withdrawal of a settlement with Epic Games that had sought to avoid this requirement. The shift is a notable reversal for Google, which had previously argued that a modified approach — requiring users to sideload alternative app stores — would better serve the market. Instead, the company now faces compliance with a 2024 court order that mandated rival app stores be accessible via the Play Store, with access to its full app catalog.

The decision stems from a long-standing antitrust dispute between Epic Games and Google. In 2020, Epic challenged Google’s 30% commission fee on in-app purchases, leading to a protracted legal battle. A 2024 ruling by U.S. District Judge James Donato found Google guilty of anticompetitive practices, ordering the company to allow third-party app stores to operate within the Play Store. Google initially sought to modify this ruling, proposing a “Registered App Stores” program that would require users to sideload alternative stores. However, the company and Epic jointly withdrew their settlement proposal in July 2026, abandoning efforts to alter the court’s original injunction.

Google’s statement to The Verge emphasized that the withdrawal was aimed at avoiding “uncertainty for the ecosystem.” The company confirmed it would proceed with the original court-mandated changes, including enabling third-party app stores to access the Play Store’s catalog. Developers will have the option to opt out of having their apps distributed through these stores, and Google will charge third-party app stores a $5,000 annual fee for “security and policy reviews.” The stores must also comply with requirements such as blocking malware, respecting intellectual property, and limiting distribution to U.S. users.

The shift has immediate implications for app developers and users. Starting July 22, third-party app stores will be downloadable directly from the Play Store, rather than requiring sideloading. This change aligns with the original court order, which sought to address Google’s monopoly over Android app distribution. However, the company’s earlier attempt to replace this model with a sideloaded “Registered App Stores” program faced skepticism from the court. In a 2026 expert analysis, MIT professor Nancy Rose noted that the settlement “was unlikely to enable Google Play’s potential competitors to overcome their long-standing network-effect disadvantage in a timely manner.”

Google’s announcement also includes broader changes to its app store policies. The company has lowered its commission fee for in-app purchases to 10% and opened the Play Store to alternative billing systems. Developers can now direct users to their own websites for purchases, bypassing Google’s payment processor. These adjustments were part of the 2025 settlement with Epic, which also involved a $800 million financial agreement. However, the withdrawal of the modified injunction means the original requirements, such as third-party store access, will take precedence.

The rollout will initially apply only to the U.S., with Google noting that other regions may continue under its “Registered App Stores” model. The company has not clarified whether third-party stores distributed via the Play Store will face different rules than those in the global program. Additionally, it remains unclear how Google will enforce the 1% malware threshold for store removal or whether the Play Store’s security measures will differ for registered stores.

For users, the change could lead to greater competition in app distribution, potentially lowering prices and increasing choice. However, Google’s strict requirements for third-party stores, such as the U.S.-only distribution rule and annual fees, may limit the number of participants. The company has also emphasized its commitment to maintaining “industry-leading security,” stating that it will continue to comply with the court’s injunction while fostering a competitive ecosystem.

The development underscores the ongoing tension between platform providers and regulators over app store governance. While Google’s move aligns with court mandates, it also reflects the broader industry shift toward reducing barriers for developers. As third-party app stores begin appearing in the Play Store, the full impact on competition, user experience, and developer revenue will become clearer in the coming weeks.