Google opens Play Store to rival app marketplaces after Epic Games antitrust battle

Google announced it will allow third-party Android app stores in the United States to access the Google Play Store catalog of apps starting July 22 under a new Play Catalog Access Programme. The company said eligible third-party app stores will be able to list apps available on Google Play and offer them to users, though downloads will still be completed through the Google Play Store. Google said the same terms and conditions that apply to direct downloads from the Play Store will also apply to apps downloaded through third-party app stores and its service fee will continue to apply. The move is part of Google's effort to follow a court order in its long-running legal battle with Epic Games. In late 2023 a US court ruled in Epic Games' favor and ordered Google to make it easier for rival Android app stores to compete with the Play Store. The companies later reached a settlement in November 2025. To join the programme app stores must operate in the US, be registered as a business or organization and run a legitimate app marketplace. Participating stores must clearly show app details, require user approval for every installation and provide customer support options. They must distribute Play Store apps only in the US, clearly tell users the app is coming from Google Play before installation, update listings at least once a week, offer other apps besides those from Google's catalogue and not charge extra fees for apps available only via Play Catalogue access. Google will charge app store operators an annual $5,000 service fee covering security checks and policy reviews.