Android Will Allow Third Party App Stores in Major New Update

Google will soon allow third-party Android app stores in the United States to access the Google Play app catalog.

The company has launched its Play Catalog Access Program and said the change will take effect on July 22, 2026. Google said it is making the change to comply with a US court order linked to its long-running legal battle with Epic Games.

Developers’ Listings Will Be Shared

Google has told developers that their US app and game listings will be made available to third-party Android app stores.

These listings include app names, icons, descriptions, screenshots, and videos already submitted to Google Play. If developers do not choose an option before July 22, Google will start sharing their listings with enrolled third-party US Android app stores.

Developers can choose to publish all listings on third-party stores, manage each store individually, or opt out completely.

Downloads to Go Through Google Play

Third-party stores will be able to offer Google Play apps to users, but the actual downloads will still be completed through Google Play.

Google said its normal service fees will continue to apply to apps downloaded this way. The company also said third-party app stores are not governed by Google Play’s own content policies and may use their own rules.

Google and Epic Drop Modified Settlement Plan

The change follows Google and Epic’s decision to withdraw their modified settlement plan.

The two companies had earlier proposed a “Registered App Stores” program. Under that plan, third-party app stores would have received a simpler installation flow, but users would still have needed to sideload them.

According to The Verge, Google and Epic have now withdrawn that proposal. This means Google will move forward with the court-ordered system that allows rival app stores to be distributed through Google Play itself in the US.

Google Wants to Avoid More Uncertainty

Google spokesperson Dan Jackson told The Verge that the company agreed with Epic to withdraw the motion instead of prolonging the process and creating more uncertainty for the Android ecosystem.

He said Google will now focus on its business model changes aimed at giving users more app store choice, lower prices, and more opportunities for developers. He also said Google will continue to comply with the US court’s injunction.

Third-Party Stores Must Pay Google

Third-party app stores that want access to the Play catalog must pay Google an upfront service fee of $5,000 for security and policy reviews during onboarding.

They must also pay the same $5,000 fee every year to maintain access to the catalog.

Google’s requirements also say these stores must target users in the United States. They cannot use Play Catalog data to distribute apps to users outside the US.

Google Also Opens Up Billing Options

Google has also changed its US billing rules as part of its compliance with the court order.

Developers can offer alternative billing systems to users in the US, either alongside or instead of Google Play Billing. Google’s support page lists different service fees depending on the type of transaction and whether the user is a new or existing install.

Developers can also use external links to send US users to outside content, including purchases or app downloads, if they enroll in Google’s external content links program and meet its requirements.

The move marks a major change for Android app distribution in the United States and gives rival app stores a clearer path to reach users through Google Play.