Google to Open Play Store to Rival Android App Marketplaces in the US
Google will begin allowing competing Android app stores to be distributed through its own Google Play marketplace in the United States from July 22, marking one of the most significant changes to the company’s mobile software ecosystem.
The move follows Google and Epic Games’ decision to withdraw their latest attempt to alter a US court injunction stemming from their long-running antitrust dispute. Google told the court that it was ready to begin complying with the rival-store provisions on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
The change means third-party marketplaces could appear inside Google Play like conventional apps, reducing the need for users to download rival stores directly from websites and navigate Android’s existing sideloading warnings.
Google has also confirmed that app and game listings from US Play Store developers will be made available to eligible third-party Android stores from July 22 unless developers choose to opt out.
The company has opened enrolment for its Play Catalog Access programme, which allows qualifying rival stores to obtain access to Google Play’s catalogue of applications and related listing information.
Participating stores will be required to pay an annual $5,000 fee covering security and policy reviews. They must operate in the United States, remain open to eligible developers, apply transparent trust and safety rules and keep malware below specified thresholds.
The reforms arise from a permanent injunction issued by US District Judge James Donato after a jury found that Google had maintained an illegal monopoly in Android app distribution and in-app billing.
The court ordered Google not to prevent the distribution of competing app marketplaces through Google Play and required it to provide rival stores with access to its application catalogue for a limited period.
Google challenged the ruling through several stages of the US legal system, arguing that the measures could create security and privacy risks. Courts nevertheless declined to suspend key provisions while the wider legal process continued.
The new arrangement could create opportunities for companies such as Epic Games, Microsoft and Amazon to distribute their own marketplaces more directly to Android users.
Microsoft, for example, has previously explored plans for a mobile gaming store, while Epic has spent years challenging the commissions and payment restrictions imposed by both Google and Apple.
The impact on consumers will depend on which rival stores launch through Google Play and whether they offer lower prices, exclusive applications or alternative payment systems.
For developers, the changes could create additional distribution channels and reduce dependence on Google’s billing infrastructure. They could also introduce more complex decisions around pricing, customer support, app updates and revenue sharing across multiple stores.
The US approach will differ from Google’s wider international strategy. The company plans to introduce a Registered App Stores system alongside a major Android release later in 2026, with a phased rollout across global markets.
Google has separately announced stronger developer-verification requirements for applications installed outside Google Play. The first phase is scheduled to begin in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand on September 30, 2026, before broader expansion in 2027.
The combination of greater store competition and tighter developer verification reflects Google’s effort to comply with regulators and courts while maintaining oversight of security across the Android ecosystem.
Although Android has long permitted users and device manufacturers to install alternative app stores, placing those marketplaces directly inside Google Play could dramatically increase their visibility and make them accessible to a much broader audience.