Key Takeaways
- Google will launch its Play Catalog Access Program, allowing third-party app stores in the US to access the Google Play catalog.
- The change is effective from July 22, 2026, and follows a US court order linked to Google’s legal battle with Epic Games.
- Developers can choose whether their listings are shared on third-party stores or kept private.
Google has announced that it will allow third-party app stores in the United States to access its Google Play catalog, effective from July 22, 2026. This move is part of a broader compliance with a US court order related to its legal dispute with Epic Games.
The company launched its Play Catalog Access Program, which will enable developers’ US app and game listings—such as names, icons, descriptions, screenshots, and videos—to be shared with third-party Android app stores. Developers have the option to publish all their listings on these stores, manage each store individually, or opt out completely.
According to Google’s spokesperson Dan Jackson, the company agreed with Epic Games to withdraw a modified settlement plan that would have allowed for a simpler installation flow through registered app stores but required users to sideload apps. Instead, Google will proceed with the court-ordered system, which allows rival app stores to be distributed through Google Play itself in the US.
Google’s business model changes aim to provide users with more app store choice and lower prices while offering developers more opportunities. The company emphasized its commitment to complying with the US court’s injunction.
To participate in this program, third-party app stores must pay an upfront service fee of $5,000 for security and policy reviews during onboarding and a yearly maintenance fee of the same amount. These stores are also required to target users within the United States exclusively and cannot use Play Catalog data to distribute apps outside the country.
Google has also changed its US billing rules as part of this compliance. Developers can now offer alternative billing systems alongside or instead of Google Play Billing, providing more flexibility in how they manage payments for their applications.
This development is seen as a significant shift in the Android ecosystem and could potentially open up new opportunities for app developers and users alike. However, it also raises questions about the impact on existing business models and user experience.
Google has told developers that their US app and game listings will be made available to third-party Android app stores.
Google, Spokesperson
Google spokesperson Dan Jackson said, 'The company agreed with Epic to withdraw the motion instead of prolonging the process and creating more uncertainty for the Android ecosystem.'
Dan Jackson, Google Spokesperson
