The latest sticking point in the long-running Google vs. Epic Games lawsuit is about to come to an end, as Google will open the doors to third-party app stores on Android starting July 22.
One of the initial demands at the start of Epic Games’ lawsuit is that Google not only better allow third-party app stores on Android, but home Those app stores within the Play Store. Google fought back, but now it’s giving up.
The Verge reports that Google has dropped its fight to overturn a court order that would have removed this requirement to host third-party stores. In a statement to the court, Google says:
We agreed with Epic to withdraw our motion to modify the US Court’s decision rather than prolong this process, which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem. This allows us to focus on getting our work done announced recently the evolution of the global business model to provide more app store options, lower prices, and more opportunities for developers and users. We are committed to maintaining Android’s industry-leading security and fostering a competitive ecosystem where every app store and developer has the freedom to compete. In parallel, we continue to comply with the US Court’s order.
In the US, this includes the ability for third-party app stores to post listings for Play Store apps and games. Developers can opt out, but it sees apps and games distributed under the same terms as the Play Store.
Google explains:
It starts July 22, 2026Your US app and game listings, including your app and game name, icons, description, and any screenshots and videos you submit to Google Play, will be available in third-party US Android app stores. (This is according to the US Court order.) Third-party US Android app stores will be able to offer these apps to users, and downloads of these apps will be completed through Google Play on the same terms as any other download made directly through the Google Play store. Google Play service charges will continue to apply to apps downloaded this way.
It all kicks off on July 22 – about a week from now – by charging third-party stores a $5,000 annual access fee for Play Store apps to cover “security and policy reviews.” It’s also US-only, requires “clear, non-discriminatory” trust and security policies on third-party stores, must be open to all eligible developers, doesn’t distribute apps outside of the US, and less than 1% of all “install attempts” include malware (ie limits malware).
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