Google is finally bringing third-party app stores to Android in just a few days

After years of users begging – and legal action against the company – Google is finally giving Android users the ability to use third-party app stores. The dramatic change means that the Google Play Store will not be the only way for developers to distribute their apps and games. The change is coming in just a few days’ time, but unfortunately the way things are set up means that it will still not be possible to avoid paying Google a cut of any payments received. In a notice posted for developers, Google says: “Starting on July 22, 2026, your US... [Continue Reading]

Google is finally bringing third-party app stores to Android in just a few days After years of users begging – and legal action against the company – Google is finally giving Android users the ability to use third-party app stores. The dramatic change means that the Google Play Store will not be the only way for developers to distribute their apps and games. The change is coming in just a few days’ time, but unfortunately the way things are set up means that it will still not be possible to avoid paying Google a cut of any payments received.

In a notice posted for developers, Google says: “Starting on July 22, 2026, your US apps and games listing(s), including the name of your apps and games, their icons, their description, and any screenshots and videos you provided to Google Play, will be made available to third-party US Android app stores. (This is to comply with a US Court order.)” It c ontinues: Third-party US Android app stores will be able to offer these apps to users, and the download of these apps will be completed through Google Play on the same terms as any other download that is made directly through the Google Play store.

Google Play’s service fee will continue to apply to apps downloaded in this manner. Third-party US Android app stores are not governed by Google Play’s content and other policies, and may have their own content and other policies. Developers are being given the option of whether to allow their creations in third-party stores, as Google explains: You can opt out of including your app listing(s) in the catalogs made available to enrolled third-party US Android app stores.

To help you manage your preferences, you can choose the following options at any time in the Play Console (Settings > Catalog Settings). - Publish all my app listings on all third-party app stores. - I’ll manage all third-party app stores individually.

- Do not publish any of my app listings on any third-party app stores. If you do not choose an option, Google Play will begin to provide your app listing(s) to third-party US Android app stores starting on July 22, 2026.