Google is opening the floodgates to third-party app stores on Android next week

Google will allow third-party app stores to host content from the Google Play Store starting July 22, 2026. This change concludes a long-running legal dispute with Epic Games regarding Android ecosystem distribution. By withdrawing its motion to modify the existing court injunction, Google has opted to move forward with the requirements instead of extending the litigation.

Under the new guidelines, third-party app stores in the United States gain access to listings for apps and games currently found on the Play Store. This includes titles, icons, descriptions, and media assets. When a user downloads an app from these third-party locations, the actual installation process occurs through the Google Play Store infrastructure. This ensures that Play Store service fees remain applicable to those transactions.

Developers maintain the ability to opt out of this distribution model. If they participate, their apps are distributed under the same terms governing direct downloads from the Play Store. The arrangement comes with specific requirements for third-party operators. These entities must pay a 5,000 dollar annual access fee and adhere to strict trust and safety standards. Policies must be non-discriminatory, and stores must demonstrate a malware install rate of less than one percent.

Google maintains that this move aligns with its broader strategy to provide more choices for developers and users. The company states it remains focused on security while opening its ecosystem to different store fronts. This shift is currently limited to the United States market as part of the legal compliance efforts initiated by the court order.