Google to Allow Third-Party App Stores on Play Store Starting July 2026
Google will officially open the door to third-party app stores within the Android ecosystem. The new policy allows users to download rival app marketplaces directly through the Google Play Store, a step that marks a fundamental change in digital app distribution.
The decision follows a court ruling in the antitrust case between Google and Epic Games, which ran for several years. After the two companies agreed to end further litigation, Google has begun complying with the obligations ordered by the court.
Google is scheduled to open access on 22 July 2026 through a new initiative called the Play Catalog Access Program. In the initial rollout phase, the policy will apply only to the United States.
Under the scheme, alternative app store operators will have an official distribution channel to market their marketplaces directly within Google Play. This contrasts sharply with the previous procedure, where Android users wishing to install an app store other than the Play Store had to go through a complicated manual process, such as downloading APK files or using sideloading mechanisms.
In addition to allowing rival marketplaces to be distributed, Google will also grant access to the Play Store’s app catalogue. The aim is to enable third-party app stores to display and offer apps already available in the Android ecosystem more widely.
Nevertheless, Google still grants sovereignty to app developers. They have the option to opt out of having their apps included in the third-party catalogue. The news first emerged via a report from Make Use Of on Saturday (18 July 2026).
Although the Android ecosystem is becoming more open, Google will still impose strict standards on third-party app store operators wishing to join.
The step is being taken to ensure that user security is maintained even though app distribution channels are no longer monopolised by a single party.
This major change has its roots in a lawsuit filed by Epic Games, the developer of the popular game Fortnite. Epic accused Google of monopolistic practices in Android app distribution and in-app payment systems.
In 2023, a jury found that Google had indeed violated competition rules. The ruling was subsequently upheld on appeal. Google had earlier proposed that rival app stores continue to be distributed via sideloading, but the court rejected that proposal. Ultimately, Google was ordered to open the Play Store to rival marketplaces in order to foster healthier competition.