Google Play opens up to third party app stores from next week
Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement that will accelerate the opening of Google’s Play Store to third-party app store distributors, effective next week. Both parties agreed to jointly withdraw from a previous settlement regarding Android app store policies, removing regulatory hurdles that had previously slowed the process.
Under this new arrangement, multiple third-party app stores will be able to distribute natively through Google Play, including Epic’s own Epic Games Store, Samsung’s Galaxy Store, and independent alternatives like AltStore and Skich. The changes may also enable an Xbox app store on Android. This represents a significant departure from Android’s historically Google Play-dominated distribution model.
The development effectively scraps Google’s previously agreed ‘Registered App Stores’ program, which had been established following a 2024 US court ruling. That program was designed to give Google oversight control over which alternative stores could be accessed on Android devices. By removing these restrictions as part of the new settlement, Google is opening its platform to increased competition in app distribution.
This shift has significant implications for mobile gaming and app distribution, potentially offering developers and publishers additional pathways to reach Android users. The rapid implementation timeline—beginning next week—indicates both parties are committed to moving forward without further legal delays.