Key facts
- Google Play Store now hosts Aptoide, a third-party app store, in the U.S.
- This follows an antitrust ruling in the Epic Games lawsuit against Google.
- U.S. users can download Aptoide directly from Google Play without sideloading.
- Aptoide offers access to 1.9 million apps and 295,000 games.
- The ruling mandates Google allow third-party app stores and alternative payment systems.
Google has begun distributing Aptoide, a third-party app store, through its Play Store in the United States. This move is a direct result of a court order stemming from the antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games against Google, which concluded in 2023. Judge James Donato mandated remedies including allowing third-party app stores on Google Play, lowering developer fees, and permitting alternative payment systems.
Previously, Google had resisted hosting third-party app stores directly, even withdrawing a settlement proposal with Epic that would have allowed certification without direct Play Store distribution. The court's indication that it might not approve that settlement led Google to comply with the judge's order by making Aptoide available.
U.S. users can now download Aptoide from the Play Store like any other application, without needing to enable sideloading or bypass security warnings. This streamlined process allows for easier installation of apps and games through Aptoide. While Aptoide's current offerings are limited compared to Google Play's extensive catalog, CEO Paulo Trezentos confirmed the store has access to 1.9 million apps and 295,000 games, as permitted by the ruling. Developers have the option to opt out of this sharing arrangement, but the integration uses the same versioning and billing as Google Play, making it likely that many will embrace this additional distribution channel.