Google opens Android Play Catalog to third-party app stores in US
Starting July 22, US-based third-party app stores can access Google’s catalog for a $5,000 security review fee and annual maintenance cost, as part of compliance with a US court injunction stemming from the company’s legal dispute with Epic Games.
Google has confirmed that third-party app stores will gain access to the Google Play Catalog on Android devices in the United States starting July 22. The move establishes the Play Catalog Access Program, allowing external developers to distribute their applications through Google’s infrastructure while complying with a US court injunction. This change follows the withdrawal of a modified settlement agreement between Google and Epic Games on July 16, a decision aimed at reducing legal uncertainty within the ecosystem.
Under the new framework, third-party stores must pay a $5,000 upfront fee for security review during onboarding, alongside an annual $5,000 maintenance fee to retain access to the catalog. While downloads will still be processed through Google Play with applicable service fees, the company has simplified the installation process. Unlike previous iterations that required complex sideloading, these registered third-party stores will be downloadable directly from within the Google Play store itself.
The initiative is a direct response to a court order imposed by US District Judge James Donato after Google lost its legal battle against Epic Games. Google and Epic had previously reached a settlement in November 2025, which included a modified plan for a "Registered App Stores" program. However, in March, the companies revealed that this plan would still require sideloading. On July 16, both parties withdrew their motion to modify the injunction, with Google spokesperson Dan Jackson stating the decision allows the company to focus on a broader global business model evolution rather than prolonging court proceedings.
To participate in the program, third-party stores must adhere to strict geographic restrictions. They are legally prohibited from using the Play Catalog to distribute apps to users outside the United States, and their services must specifically target US users. Google has launched a dedicated page for the program, notifying developers that app and game listings submitted to Google will be made available to these external Android app stores.
In parallel with the opening of the catalog, Google has implemented significant changes to its monetisation structure as part of the settlement with Epic Games. The company has lowered its commission on app purchases from 30 percent to 10 percent and permitted alternative billing methods. Developers can now offer outside payment options or link users to their own websites for purchases within their app or game listings, aiming to deliver greater choice and lower prices for users.
