Google Opens Play Catalog to Third-Party Android App Stores in the U.S.

Google is introducing a major change to Android app distribution in the United States. Beginning July 22, 2026, third-party Android app stores will be able to access Google's official Play Catalog, allowing them to list apps and games that are available on Google Play. Google has already launched a dedicated webpage for its Play Catalog Access Program and informed developers that their submitted apps may now appear on participating third-party app stores.

How the New System Will Work

Although users will be able to browse apps through participating third-party app stores, the actual download and installation process will still be completed through Google Play's backend infrastructure. As a result, Google's standard service fees will continue to apply even when an app is discovered through another app marketplace.

The change comes as part of Google's efforts to comply with court rulings following its long-running legal dispute with Epic Games.

Previously, Google and Epic had agreed in November 2025 to launch a Registered App Store Program, under which third-party app stores had to be installed via sideloading. However, according to The Verge, both companies withdrew that proposal from court on July 16, eliminating the need for sideloading. Users will instead be able to install approved third-party app stores directly through Google Play.

Google spokesperson Dan Jackson said:

"To avoid prolonged litigation over modifications to the court injunction, we've reached an agreement with Epic. This supports our new global business model, giving users more choices in app stores, helping reduce app prices, and creating new opportunities for developers. At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining Android's security while fostering a competitive ecosystem."

Fees and Participation Requirements

Third-party app stores wishing to access the Play Catalog must meet Google's eligibility requirements and pay the following fees:

• Security Review Fee: US$5,000 as a one-time onboarding and security review charge.
• Annual Maintenance Fee: US$5,000 per year to maintain continued access to the Play Catalog.
• Geographic Restriction: The program is currently limited to users in the United States. Participating app stores are not permitted to distribute Play Catalog content outside the U.S. under the program's current terms.

Lower Commissions and Alternative Payments

As part of its settlement with Epic Games, Google has already introduced support for alternative billing systems within the Play Store.

Under the updated policy:

• Developers may use third-party payment processors instead of Google's own billing system.
• Google's commission on eligible app purchases has been reduced from 30% to 10%.
• Developers are also permitted to include links directing users to their own websites or external payment pages, allowing purchases outside Google's payment ecosystem.

These changes are expected to increase competition among Android app marketplaces while giving developers greater flexibility in distributing apps and processing payments, without compromising the security protections provided by Google Play.

//DBTech/BMT/OR//