Google and Epic Games ended their legal dispute over Android app stores, allowing third-party marketplaces to operate inside Google Play starting next week.
Both companies withdrew their request to change a permanent injunction issued last October by U.S. District Judge James Donato. The ruling forces Google to host rival app stores and share its full app catalog with them. Google had proposed a narrower solution—sideloaded “Registered App Stores”—but Donato dismissed it as insufficient for addressing antitrust violations.
The withdrawal means Google must follow the original order. A spokesperson stated the company will begin supporting third-party app stores on Wednesday, July 22. “We’ve agreed with Epic to drop our motion rather than prolong uncertainty for the ecosystem,” the spokesperson said. “This lets us focus on rolling out our new global business model, which aims to offer more app store choices and better opportunities for developers and users.”
Related: Asus ROG Flow Z13 Gaming Tablet Hits $2100
Changes for developers and users
On July 22, Google will automatically share U.S. app and game listings with third-party stores unless developers opt out. The company introduced a Play Catalog Access Program for stores to join, though details about submission processes remain unclear. The court’s order only prevents Google from blocking these stores—it doesn’t require active promotion of them.
Third-party stores must pay a $5,000 yearly fee for security and policy reviews. They also face strict rules: no app distribution outside the U.S., mandatory acceptance of all eligible developers, and “clear, non-discriminatory” safety policies. Google will tolerate malware in no more than 1% of installation attempts.
The effect on fees, revenue splits, and developer options is still unknown.
Related: From Concept to Reality: How Gadgets Are Redefining Technology
For now, the immediate shift is technical: Google’s platform will soon host competitors for the first time.
The legal battle started when Epic sued Google over Play Store policies, claiming illegal monopoly practices. A jury ruled in Epic’s favor, finding Google’s app distribution and billing rules anticompetitive. Donato issued the injunction in October, but Google appealed, arguing the order went too far. Epic initially opposed the appeal but later agreed to a global settlement that included an $800 million payment, with terms kept private.
Donato rejected Google’s proposed changes, which would have required users to sideload third-party stores instead of downloading them from Google Play. Their filing noted that further litigation would only “create uncertainty,” signaling a preference for implementation over continued legal arguments.
Related: Prime Day Offers Top Robot Vacuum Discounts
Google’s compliance doesn’t resolve all issues. The company still faces scrutiny over enforcement of new rules, especially regarding fees and security requirements. Smaller stores may struggle with the $5,000 annual cost, while larger ones could use the change to challenge Google’s position. The injunction’s wording allows Google to permit third-party stores without promoting them, which could limit their visibility.
For now, the priority is execution. Google has notified developers about the changes, and third-party stores can enroll in the Play Catalog Access Program. The first test will be whether these stores can attract users without Google’s active support.
The long-term effects may take years to appear. If third-party stores succeed, they could push Google to ease restrictions further. If adoption stays low, the injunction might become a symbolic win with little real impact. Either way, the Android ecosystem is entering a new stage where Google’s app store no longer holds sole control.
