Google will allow third-party app stores to access its Play Store catalog on Android devices starting next week, marking one of the biggest changes to Android's app distribution model in years.
The move comes as Google complies with a US federal court injunction requiring it to loosen its control over Android app distribution after a jury found that the company had unlawfully maintained a monopoly over Android app marketplaces and billing systems.
Beginning July 22, approved third-party Android app stores in the United States will be able to participate in Google's Play Catalog Access programme.
This will allow them to display app listings from Google Play, including app names, descriptions, screenshots, icons and other metadata, making it easier for users to discover apps outside Google's own storefront.
Google notified developers that, unless they opt out, their app listings will automatically become available on participating third-party Android app stores.
Developers will still be able to manage where their apps appear through Google Play Console.
The changes stem from Epic Games' landmark antitrust lawsuit, which accused Google of using restrictive agreements with smartphone manufacturers and developers to suppress competition and reinforce Google Play's dominance.
Although Google appealed the ruling, the courts upheld the injunction, requiring the company to open parts of the Play ecosystem to competing app marketplaces.
Unlike conventional sideloading, which requires users to manually download installation files and override Android security warnings, the new system allows participating app stores to integrate more closely with Google Play.
Downloads will continue to benefit from Google's Play Protect security scanning and other security measures.
Google has also introduced eligibility requirements for participating app stores, saying only marketplaces that meet its security standards will qualify.
Google keeps a hand on the tap. Downloads still run through Google, which still takes a fee. Rival stores must pay $5,000 a year for review, operate only in the US, accept every eligible developer, and keep malware below 1% of installs.
While the changes are expected to reshape how Android users in the United States discover and download applications, there will be no immediate changes for Android users in Kenya or other markets outside the US.
Developers who publish apps on Google Play could, however, benefit indirectly.
Their app listings may become visible in eligible third-party app stores in the United States unless they choose to opt out, potentially increasing their exposure to US users.
Google has not announced plans to roll out the same Play Store interoperability requirements globally. While the company operates a separate Registered App Stores programme in some international markets, it does not offer the same level of integration as the US initiative.
As part of its settlement with Epic Games, Google has opened the Play Store to external billing options and reduced its commission for app purchases from 30% to 10%.
Developers can now provide alternative payment methods or link users to their own websites for transactions within their app or game listings.
The idea is not new. In Europe, the Digital Markets Act already forces Apple and Google to allow rival stores, and Brazil opened iOS too. Switzerland just opened a probe into Google’s Android choice screen, and the US Supreme Court declined to pause a similar order against Apple.
