● Covered by 4 sources · 4 reportsMedium impact
Google to Allow Third-Party App Stores on Android From July 22
Key points
- Third-party app stores enabled on Android starting July 22.
- Epic Games and Google withdraw lawsuit settlements.
- Rival stores can list Google Play apps on their platforms.
- Court order mandates Google to support third-party stores.
Third-Party App Stores on Android
Google is set to allow third-party app stores to operate on Android devices starting on July 22. This development follows the culmination of a legal battle with Epic Games, which initially sought to change how app stores functioned on Android devices.
Court Order and Settlement Withdrawal
As part of the settlement withdrawal, Google will enable these stores to access its app catalog, giving them the opportunity to host their own stores within Google Play. This complies with a court order that resulted from Google's monopoly over app distribution being deemed illegal.
Impact on App Distribution
With the introduction of rival app stores into Google Play, app distribution on Android could undergo significant changes. Third-party app stores can list and offer Google's Play Store apps, potentially affecting revenue models and app distribution choices.
Legal Context and Antitrust Issues
This shift originated from Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit against Google, sparked by issues surrounding payment cuts for in-app purchases. Unlike Apple, which avoided serious repercussions, Google's market practices in the Android ecosystem faced scrutiny, leading to this new arrangement.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Google will permit third-party app stores on Android as part of the settlement with Epic Games, beginning July 22. This change will enable these stores to list Play Store apps, creating greater app distribution options and potentially lowering prices for developers and users.
Google confirmed it will allow third-party app stores on the Play Store starting next week. This change follows the withdrawal of an Epic Games settlement, which could disrupt Android's app distribution and revenue model.
Google will enable third-party app stores to access its app catalog from July 22, allowing them to offer apps directly to users. This change comes as part of a settlement with Epic Games and aims to enhance app store competition while ensuring compliance with a US court order.
Epic Games and Google have withdrawn their efforts to settle a lawsuit mandating Google to host third-party Android app stores. This decision will enable rival app stores to operate within Google Play, fundamentally changing the Android app ecosystem in the U.S.