New Competitor Launches in US Android App Store Market

WHO:

Engadget - Aptoide Games is the competitor to Google's app store.

The Verge - Epic Games is involved in legal battles with Google.

WHAT:

Engadget - Aptoide Games is now available in the Play Store.

The Verge - Aptoide is the first third-party digital store available in the US Play Store.

The Verge - Google was ordered to open the Play Store to third-party stores following a judge's ruling in 2024.

The Verge - Aptoide can be sideloaded on Android worldwide.

WHERE:

The Verge - Aptoide is available through the Play Store in the US.

The Verge - Aptoide operates an iOS app store in the European Union, Japan, and Brazil.

WHEN:

The Verge - A judge ruled in 2024 that the Play Store must open to third-party stores.

The Verge - The joint proposal between Google and Epic was dropped last month.

WHY:

The Verge - The change is a direct result of Google’s litigation with Epic.

HOW:

The Verge - Third-party app stores were previously only available if pre-installed on a device or installed via sideloading.

(UPDATED August 10, 2026 16:18 UTC)

Aptoide Games has officially launched in the US Play Store, marking it as the first third-party digital store available there, following a judge's ruling in 2024 that mandated Google to open the Play Store to such stores. This change comes amid ongoing legal battles between Epic Games and Google, with Aptoide also operating an iOS app store in regions like the European Union, Japan, and Brazil. Previously, third-party app stores could only be accessed if they were pre-installed on devices or sideloaded, but now users have more options at their fingertips.