Google Play gives third-party Android app stores new distribution capabilities this week

Google is rolling out changes to Google Play this week that expand how third-party Android app stores can access Play Store app listings in the United States. The update follows the company’s compliance efforts related to the U.S. court ruling in the Epic Games antitrust case and will begin taking effect on July 22, 2026.

Under the changes, Google Play will begin making eligible U.S. app listings available to enrolled third-party Android app stores by default. This includes an app’s metadata, such as its name, icon, description, screenshots, and promotional videos. Developers who do not want their listings included will need to update their preferences before the rollout begins.

To give developers more control, Google has introduced new catalog settings in Play Console. Developers can choose to make all of their U.S. app listings available to every enrolled third-party app store, manage availability separately for each participating marketplace, or opt out entirely so none of their app listings are shared. If no selection is made, Google Play will automatically begin providing eligible app listings to enrolled third-party U.S. Android app stores starting July 22.

Google notes that enrolled third-party app stores will be able to display Play Store app listings and offer those apps to users under the program. However, these marketplaces operate independently from Google Play and are responsible for establishing and enforcing their own policies. As a result, apps distributed through third-party app stores are not governed by Google Play’s content policies or other marketplace rules.

Alongside the developer controls, Google has also opened enrollment for eligible third-party Android app stores through its Play Catalog Access Program. Approved marketplaces will be able to access Play Store app listings after meeting Google’s eligibility requirements, which include operating an open Android app marketplace for U.S. users, maintaining transparent developer policies, and satisfying Google’s security standards.

The changes come after Google ended its effort to pause the injunction issued in the Epic Games v. Google case. The court’s remedies require Google to make Play Store app listings available to competing Android app stores in the United States, among other measures intended to increase competition in app distribution. Google has said it continues to appeal the underlying decision while implementing the required changes.

The rollout marks a significant change to how Google Play interacts with alternative Android app stores in the U.S. Beginning July 22, developers will have greater control over whether their app listings are included in third-party catalogs, while enrolled app stores will gain access to Play Store listing information under Google’s newly expanded program.