Google Play will be accessible to third-party app stores starting on July 22.

      Android has historically allowed users to install apps from sources outside Google’s Play Store. However, next week, this capability is expanding significantly. Google will begin featuring competing app stores directly within Google Play.

      According to reports from The Verge, Google informed a California court of its plans to initiate this on Wednesday, July 22. This development follows the joint withdrawal of a motion to alter the court’s remedies by Google and Epic Games.

      This ongoing struggle dates back several years. In 2023, a jury ruled that Google’s Play Store operated as an illegal monopoly. In October 2024, Judge James Donato mandated that Google must incorporate rival stores within Play and share its entire app catalog with them.

      Reasons for the deal's failure

      Google contested that ruling but eventually reached a settlement with Epic in late 2025, which allegedly included an undisclosed payment of $800 million. The agreement replaced the in-store remedy with a "Registered App Stores" approach, which would require users to sideload competing stores instead.

      The court found this proposal insufficient. An economist appointed by the court, Nancy Rose from MIT, reported in July that the plan was “unlikely” to enable rivals to effectively challenge Google’s dominance, noting that users typically do not venture beyond the store they are accustomed to.

      With a hearing on the horizon, Google and Epic chose to withdraw the motion, with Google stating that this decision was made to prevent “prolonging this process which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem.” As a result, the original order remains intact.

      Implementation details

      Starting July 22, an accredited store will be able to integrate the Google Play catalog into its own storefront, as reported by Ars Technica. Developers will be included by default but can choose to opt out.

      Google will still maintain some control over the process. Downloads will continue to be processed through Google, which will retain its fee structure. Rival stores will be required to pay an annual fee of $5,000 for review, operate solely within the US, accept all eligible developers, and ensure that malware constitutes less than 1% of installations.

      Europe leads the way

      This concept is not unprecedented. In Europe, the Digital Markets Act already mandates that Apple and Google permit rival stores, while Brazil has opened up iOS as well. Switzerland has recently initiated an investigation into Google's Android choice screen, and the US Supreme Court has rejected a request to halt a similar order against Apple.

      Financial adjustments have already begun. Following the Epic agreement, Google reduced its store commission from 30% to as low as 10% and allowed developers to utilize external payment links.

      The question remains

      A key consideration is who will create these competitor stores. Microsoft has long expressed interest in establishing an Xbox mobile store. Epic has its own, and Amazon operates one as well. Epic spent years battling in court to gain this opportunity. As of July 22, the door will finally open.