Starting July 22, Google will permit third-party app stores to access its Android app catalog in the United States. The company has launched a dedicated page detailing the Play Catalog Access Program, which will allow external US Android app stores to feature apps and games submitted to Google.
App downloads via these third-party stores will still be processed through Google Play. Additionally, Google’s service fees will apply to apps downloaded through external platforms. This move is part of Google’s compliance with a court order stemming from its legal dispute with Epic Games.
Google and Epic reached a settlement in November 2025, which modified an earlier ruling by US District Judge James Donato. This followed a March announcement revealing plans for a “Registered App Stores” program intended to facilitate sideloading for registered stores. However, this plan has now been scrapped.
On July 16, 2025, Google and Epic decided to withdraw their modified settlement and cease further legal action. Under the new access program, third-party stores can be downloaded directly from Google Play. Google spokesperson Dan Jackson stated, “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.”
Third-party app stores will incur a service fee of $5,000 for security reviews during onboarding and an annual fee of $5,000 to maintain access to Google’s app catalog. These stores must target users in the US and cannot distribute apps to users outside the country. Furthermore, Google has opened the Play store to alternative billing options and reduced its transaction commission from 30% to 10% as part of the settlement with Epic Games.
Developers are now enabled to offer alternative payment solutions or direct users to their own websites for transactions within their app listings.
