\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUS developers’ app listings will automatically be available to eligible third-party stores unless they opt out.
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGoogle has launched the Play Catalogue Access Program for third-party app stores.
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tParticipating stores must pay a $5,000 annual review fee and meet security and policy requirements.
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGoogle said withdrawing the motion lets it focus on implementing its broader business model changes.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \tStay Informed<\/p>\n Get Industry News In Your Inbox\u2026<\/p>\n Sign Up Today<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Epic Games<\/a> and Google<\/a> have withdrawn their joint attempt to modify the court-ordered changes to Android app distribution in the United States.<\/p>\n As reported by The Verge<\/a>, the move clears the way for Google Play to begin carrying rival app stores from July 22nd, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n The companies formally dropped their proposed settlement, which would have replaced Judge James Donato’s original permanent injunction with a sideloading-based “Registered App Store” model.\u00a0<\/p>\n Instead, Google will now implement the court’s original remedy<\/a>, allowing third-party Android app stores to be distributed through Google Play while providing them access to the Play catalogue.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve agreed with Epic to withdraw our motion to modify the US court\u2019s injunction rather than prolonging this process which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem,” said Google.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis allows us to focus on executing our recently announced global business model evolution to deliver greater app store choice, lower prices, and more opportunities for developers and users.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe remain committed to maintaining Android\u2019s industry-leading security and fostering a competitive ecosystem where every app store and developer has the freedom to compete. In parallel, we continue to comply with the US court\u2019s injunction.”<\/p>\n Store changes<\/p>\n To support the rollout, Google has launched the Play Catalogue Access Program for third-party app stores.\u00a0<\/p>\n Participating stores will pay a $5,000 annual fee for security and policy reviews, must distribute apps only within the US, maintain transparent trust and safety policies, remain open to eligible third-party developers, and keep malware install attempts below 1%.<\/p>\n