Google Play to Welcome Third-party App Stores Next Week
WHO:
CNET - Third-party app developers will have access to the Google Play Store.
Lifehacker - Google Play is the platform involved in the introduction of third-party app stores.
Ars Technica - The court's antitrust remedies are related to Google.
WHAT:
MacRumors - Google is bound by a permanent injunction issued in October 2024 requiring it to allow alternative app stores on Android devices.
MacRumors - Google plans to begin supporting alternative app stores on July 22.
MacRumors - Google will charge alternative marketplaces a $5,000 annual access fee.
MacRumors - Apps downloaded through alternative stores will still use the Google Play system, and Google will collect its service fee on those transactions.
Techmeme - The EU is set to fine Google hundreds of millions of euros over alleged self-preferencing of its services in Search and restrictions on app developers.
Lifehacker - Starting July 22, users will be able to download third-party app marketplaces from the Play Store.
Ars Technica - The settlement regarding Epic Games has been withdrawn, impacting Google's obligations.
WHEN:
Lifehacker - Third-party app marketplaces will be available for download starting on July 22.
WHY:
MacRumors - Google decided to withdraw the motion to avoid a prolonged legal fight, which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem.
Techmeme - The decisions regarding the fine will test whether the EU can police digital markets without reigniting tensions with Washington.
Ars Technica - The introduction of third-party app stores is a result of the court's full antitrust remedies that Google is now bound by following the withdrawal of the settlement.
HOW:
MacRumors - Google has published a guide on the process for third-party U.S. app stores to distribute the Google Play catalog of apps.
Ars Technica - Google is implementing the changes as part of compliance with the court's antitrust decisions.
(UPDATED July 16, 2026 13:24 UTC)
Google is set to begin supporting alternative app stores on Android devices starting July 22, following a permanent injunction that requires the company to allow these marketplaces. While Google will charge a $5,000 annual access fee for these alternative stores, apps downloaded through them will still utilize the Google Play system, allowing Google to collect its service fee on those transactions. To facilitate this transition, Google has also published a guide for third-party U.S. app stores on how to distribute the Google Play catalog of apps.
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(UPDATED July 16, 2026 02:49 UTC)
In a significant development, third-party app developers will soon gain access to the Google Play Store. Meanwhile, the EU is preparing to impose a hefty fine on Google, potentially amounting to hundreds of millions of euros, over allegations of self-preferencing its services in Search and imposing restrictions on app developers. This upcoming decision will serve as a crucial test for the EU's ability to regulate digital markets while maintaining a stable relationship with Washington.
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(UPDATED July 15, 2026 20:25 UTC)
Google Play is set to introduce third-party app marketplaces, allowing users to download them starting on July 22. This development comes after the withdrawal of a settlement regarding Epic Games, which has altered Google's obligations in relation to antitrust remedies mandated by the court. As a result, Google is making these changes to comply with the court's decisions on antitrust matters.