Third-Party App Stores Are Finally Coming to Google Play.
If you have an Android device, you likely download most apps from the Play Store. You might occasionally install apps from websites or from your device’s native store (like the Samsung Store), but in most cases, the Play Store is the primary place to download apps on Android. This appears to be changing.
While the Play Store isn’t going anywhere, Google is providing access to third-party app stores through its own official app store. As The Verge reports , starting July 22, developers will be able to create their own app stores, which users can download from the Play Store. These third-party app stores will be able to sell their own apps, as well as use apps hosted by Google on the Play Store. In fact, all apps created by US developers will be available on these third-party app stores unless the developers opt out.
Although third-party app stores can distribute apps outside of the Play Store, they are still subject to Google’s policies. In fact, there are numerous requirements that developers must adhere to , including terms regarding security, privacy, and user safety. Additionally, app developers submitting to the app stores will be required to pay Google $5,000 upfront for security and policy reviews for listing apps on the Play Store, and this fee must be paid annually.
Why are third-party app stores appearing in the Play Store now?
As The Verge explains, this decision is the result of an agreement between Google and Epic Games. Epic Games has been litigating with Google and Apple for years since Fortnite was removed from the iOS App Store and Play Store. Epic Games was unhappy with the high fees charged by both platforms for developers and, in protest, offered users a way to pay Epic Games directly to bypass these fees—a violation of the App Store and Play Store policies.
In 2021, a judge ruled that Google had an illegal monopoly on Android apps and therefore must allow third-party app stores on its platform. Google tried to overturn this ruling for nearly two years and nearly succeeded, securing an $800 million settlement from Epic Games. Google agreed to allow third-party app stores, but not through its Play Store, which the judge deemed insufficient. Both Google and Epic Games were scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to continue the case, but Google has since withdrawn its motion. A company spokesperson told the judge:
“We have agreed with Epic to withdraw our motion to modify the injunction granted by the US court, rather than prolong this process, which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem. This will allow us to focus on implementing our recently announced global business model, which aims to provide greater choice in app stores, lower prices, and more opportunities for developers and users. We remain committed to maintaining Android’s industry-leading security and fostering a competitive ecosystem where every app store and every developer has the freedom to compete. In parallel, we continue to comply with the US court’s injunction.”
We won’t know exactly how it will work until these third-party app stores appear on the Play Store. In theory, it should be similar for users, as Google has very strict requirements for app distributors. But while Epic Games will likely launch its own third-party app store, it remains to be seen who else will. Apple offers third-party app stores, but only in the EU , where they are required by law.