Overview
- Google and Epic Games withdrew their proposed settlement this week, and Google told the court it is prepared to begin carrying third‑party app stores inside Google Play on July 22, 2026.
- Under the Play Catalog Access Program, eligible U.S. app stores will be able to list apps using developers’ existing Play listings by default unless developers opt out through the Play Console.
- Third‑party stores must meet eligibility and trust‑and‑safety rules, pay a $5,000 onboarding and annual security/policy review fee, and keep malware install attempts under 1 percent to retain access.
- Apps listed by third‑party stores will still be installed through Google Play’s systems and Google’s Play service fees will continue to apply while Google also permits alternative billing and reduced commissions in some cases.
- The U.S. rollout is distinct from Google’s separate global Registered App Stores plan and could let new entrants such as Microsoft’s Xbox reach Android users more easily while broader market effects on prices and competition play out.