Google to Host Rival App Stores in US Play Store

Starting July 22, 2026, Google will allow rival third-party app stores to be downloaded directly within the Google Play Store for users in the United States. The decision follows the joint withdrawal of a proposed settlement between Google and Epic Games Inc., which mandates compliance with an October 2024 injunction issued by US District Judge James Donato.

This move concludes a six-year legal battle that began in 2020 over allegations of monopolies in app distribution and in-app billing. Under the Play Catalog Access Program, third-party stores must be registered organizations that pay a $5,000 annual security and policy review fee. US developers will have their app and game listings automatically made available to these stores unless they explicitly opt out.

While Google is implementing the "store-within-a-store" model exclusively in the US, it is launching a Registered App Stores program for global markets, where third-party stores must be sideloaded. Despite the presence of rival stores, Google will continue to process app downloads and charge a 10% service fee on paid apps and in-app purchases. The company has also reduced service fees for developers in certain regions and permitted the use of third-party billing systems.