Google Play will allow third-party app stores starting on July 22.

      Android has traditionally allowed users to install applications from sources outside of Google’s store. However, significant changes are coming next week as Google will start incorporating competing app stores directly within Google Play.

      According to The Verge, Google informed a California court that they plan to initiate this on Wednesday, July 22. This development follows the mutual withdrawal of a motion by Google and Epic Games aimed at altering the court’s remedies.

      This dispute dates back several years. In 2023, a jury concluded that Google’s Play Store constituted an illegal monopoly. In October 2024, Judge James Donato instructed Google to include rival stores within Play and to share its complete app catalog with those stores.

      Reasons for the deal's collapse

      Google contested that ruling but eventually reached a settlement with Epic in late 2025, which reportedly involved a secret payment of $800 million. This settlement replaced the in-store remedy with a “Registered App Stores” plan, whereby users would sideload competing stores.

      The court, however, remained unconvinced. An economist appointed by the court, Nancy Rose from MIT, stated in a July report that the plan was “unlikely” to assist rivals in breaking free from Google’s control, as users rarely abandon their familiar store.

      With a hearing approaching, Google and Epic decided to withdraw. Google stated they did this to prevent “prolonging this process which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem,” thereby leaving the initial order intact.

      How it will function

      Starting July 22, an approved store will have the capability to integrate the Google Play catalog into its own storefront, according to Ars Technica. Developers will be included by default and can choose to opt out.

      Google will still maintain control over the process. Downloads will still be processed through Google, which will continue to receive a fee. Competing stores are required to pay an annual fee of $5,000 for review, operate solely in the US, accept all eligible developers, and keep malware rates below 1% of installations.

      Europe's lead in this initiative

      This concept is not entirely new. In Europe, the Digital Markets Act already mandates that Apple and Google allow rival stores, and Brazil has also opened up iOS. Switzerland has recently launched an investigation into Google’s Android choice screen, and the US Supreme Court has opted not to halt a similar order against Apple.

      Financial changes have already taken place. Under the agreement with Epic, Google reduced its store commission from 30% to as low as 10% and permitted developers to utilize external payment links.

      The question of store creation

      An open question remains regarding who will establish these stores. Microsoft has expressed interest in creating an Xbox mobile store, Epic operates its own, and Amazon also has a store. Epic had to engage in years of legal battles to make this progress. On July 22, the door will officially open.