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Google Play opens its app catalog to rival stores next week

Google Play opens its app catalog to rival stores next week
Photo by Denny Müller / Unsplash

Starting July 22, Google Play will implement its most significant update in years by opening its platform to rival third-party app stores in the US. Following the withdrawal of a joint settlement proposal with Epic Games, Google must comply with a court order requiring it to distribute competing storefronts and share its app catalog with them. While these alternative stores can display Google Play listings and offer them to users, Google will still handle the actual downloads and collect its standard service fees. To qualify for this integration, third-party stores must pay an annual $5,000 security fee, maintain strict malware limits under 1%, and serve the US market. Developers can choose to manage their listings across these new platforms individually or opt out entirely, though listings will be shared by default.

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Editor's Note: At first glance, this change seems pointless: why use another store if you still end up downloading through Google and paying fees? Here is how things actually stand:

  • An end to complex installations: Until now, installing alternative stores (like Epic Games) required downloading files through a web browser while navigating scary security warnings. Now, they will be accessible with a single click directly inside Google Play.
  • Bypassing the high fees: While Google will still collect a fee for hosting, bandwidth, and security, major companies can now use their own in-app payment systems within their storefronts. This allows them to save millions on commission fees.
  • Better deals and curation: Competing stores will fight for your attention by offering exclusive games, cheaper in-app purchases, or better-curated content without annoying ads.
In short: For the average user of free apps, nothing changes. But for those who pay for subscriptions, games, or software, it will simply be cheaper, and they will get to grab deals from new stores competing for their attention.