Google’s Android App Store Shake-Up Starts July 22

The Play Catalog Access Program Details

Starting on July 22, the Play Catalog Access Program will allow qualifying third-party marketplaces to display apps from the Google Play ecosystem. For users, this means the end of manual install attempts where they previously had to locate and sideload APK files from individual websites like the Samsung Galaxy Store, the Amazon Appstore, or F-Droid. Under the new program, rival stores that enroll gain the ability to plug into Google’s own catalog, meaning app names, icons, descriptions, screenshots, and videos all become available to them. Consequently, a competing store will no longer have to convince every developer to list their applications separately.

To participate, third-party stores must enroll and meet a list of strict requirements. Eligible app stores must be available in the U.S. and registered as an organization. They must operate as a legitimate marketplace open to all eligible third-party developers with clear, non-discriminatory policies. Furthermore, participating stores must obtain authorization from developers to distribute their apps, respect intellectual property rights, and maintain a process for handling IP disputes.

Financial and Operational Requirements

The program introduces specific financial and operational mandates for competitors. Google will charge an annual fee of $5,000 for third-party stores to participate. Beyond the fee, stores must adhere to the following operational standards:

• Display essential app information, including the developer name, app description, version, app size, permissions, applicable legal disclosures, and contact information.
• Support user-controlled app installations and updates, ensuring that installations and ownership changes occur only with explicit user consent.
• Provide customer support.
• Publish and enforce privacy and trust and safety policies.
• Offer parental controls.
• Clearly identify Play Catalog apps as originating from Google Play before initiating the Inline Install API.
• Offer apps and games beyond those available only through the Play Catalog.
• Refresh their Play Catalog data daily or at least once a week.
• Not distribute Play Catalog apps outside the US.

While third-party stores gain access to the catalog, developers still retain the ability to opt out of the program. Additionally, app downloads will continue to be completed through Google Play under the same terms as downloads initiated directly from the Play Store, and Google’s existing Play service fees will continue to apply.

Legal Context: The Withdrawal of Injunction Motions

This rollout is the direct result of an antitrust fight over Android app distribution. A federal court ordered the change back in October 2024, after Epic Games won its case. Google spent months trying to negotiate a softer version of that ruling, proposing a model that would have let rival stores register instead of appearing directly inside the Google Play Store. On July 15, Google and Epic jointly dropped that idea rather than arguing it in court again, leaving the original permanent injunction standing.

Regarding the decision to withdraw the proposed modifications, Google spokesperson Dan Jackson stated: “We’ve agreed with Epic to withdraw our motion to modify the US Court’s injunction rather than prolonging this process which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem. This 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. We remain committed to maintaining Android’s 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’s injunction.”

Global Disparities in Android Distribution

The new program is currently exclusive to the United States. Google had previously announced that it would launch its sideloaded Registered App Store program in the rest of the world, beginning with the new version of Android later this year. This creates a potential track for Android where there are stores-within-a-store in the United States and Registered App Stores everywhere else. As the implementation date of July 22 arrives, the industry is observing how this dual-track system will function, and whether the integration into the Google Play Store will successfully simplify the experience for U.S. users who previously had to hunt for APKs manually.

Find more reporting in our News section.