The final sticking point in the long-running Google vs Epic Games lawsuit is coming to an end, as Google is opening the door to third-party app stores on Android starting on July 22.
Early on in the Epic Games lawsuit, one of the initial demands was for Google to not only better allow for third-party app stores on Android, but to house those app stores within the Play Store. Google has fought against that, but is now dropping the fight.
The Verge reports that Google has dropped its fight to change the court’s injunction, which would have removed this requirement to house third-party stores. In a statement to the court, Google says:
We’ve agreed with Epic to withdraw our motion to modify the US Court’s injunction rather than prolonging this process which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem. This allows us to focus on executing our recently announced global business model evolution to deliver greater app store choice, 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 developer has the freedom to compete. In parallel, we continue to comply with the US Court’s injunction.
In the United States, this includes the ability for third-party app stores to house listings for Play Store apps and games. Developers can opt out of this, but it would see apps and games distributed on the same terms as the Play Store.
Google explains:
Starting on July 22, 2026, your US apps and games listing(s), including the name of your apps and games, their icons, their description, and any screenshots and videos you provided to Google Play, will be made available to third-party US Android app stores. (This is to comply with a US Court order.) Third-party US Android app stores will be able to offer these apps to users, and the download of these apps will be completed through Google Play on the same terms as any other download that is made directly through the Google Play store. Google Play’s service fee will continue to apply to apps downloaded in this manner.
This all begins on July 22 – roughly a week from now – with third-party stores requiring a $5,000 annual access fee for Play Store apps to cover “security and policy reviews.” This is also US-only, with third-party stores requiring “clear, non-discriminatory” trust & safety policies, be open to all eligible developers, not distribute apps outside of the US, and have less than 1% of all “install attempts” include malware (i.e., limit malware).
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