Key facts
- Google will start distributing third-party app stores on Google Play on July 22.
- This change follows the withdrawal of a settlement between Google and Epic Games.
- The court found Google guilty of anticompetitive practices in its app store management.
- Third-party app stores will have default access to the full Google Play app catalog.
- Google will charge an annual fee of $5,000 for security and compliance review of these stores.
Google is set to launch third-party app stores on Google Play next week, a significant shift resulting from the withdrawal of its settlement with Epic Games. The original antitrust lawsuit stemmed from Epic's challenge to Google's 30% fee on in-app purchases, particularly for V-Bucks in Fortnite.
Google was found to have engaged in anticompetitive conduct by discouraging device makers from promoting alternative app stores and obscuring such practices. Judge James Donato's remedies included lower fees and, crucially, the placement of alternative app stores directly within Google Play to ensure fair access, countering Google's entrenched market position.
While Google and Epic initially announced a settlement in late 2025 that removed direct Play Store distribution for rival stores, this modification faced skepticism from Judge Donato. An expert analysis from MIT professor Nancy Rose also suggested the settlement was unlikely to help competitors overcome network-effect disadvantages.
Following these developments, Google and Epic mutually agreed to withdraw their settlement motion. Google's legal team has informed the court that the company is prepared to begin distributing third-party app stores on July 22. These stores will gain default access to the full Google Play app catalog, though developers can opt out. Google will charge a $5,000 annual fee for security and compliance reviews, and approved stores must adhere to strict guidelines regarding malware and intellectual property.