alternative app stores Archives

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

Google changes Play Store policies after settling Epic Games dispute

- Developers on Google Play can now use their own billing systems alongside Google Play's payment system - The service fee for in-app purchases tied to new installs will be 20%, but developers in certain programs will pay 15% - Developers using Google Play's billing system will pay a separate 5% billing fee in certain regions - Google is launching a Registered App Stores program to simplify the installation of third-party Android stores

BetaBeacon

March 5, 2026

Fortnite set to return to Android worldwide; Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney sends ‘thanks message ‘ to Google

Fortnite will return to Android devices and the Google Play Store worldwide after Google introduced major changes to how apps and payments work on the platform.

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

Google Expands Payment Choices and Alternative App Stores on Android

Android is introducing updates to enhance app and game distribution, focusing on three areas: expanded payment options, easier installation of alternative app stores, and reduced fees for developers. Developers can now implement their own payment systems alongside Google Play’s billing framework and direct users to their websites for purchases. A Registered App Stores program will streamline the installation of approved alternative app stores. The fee structure is revised to include a 5% billing fee for using Google Play’s payment system, a 20% service fee for in-app purchases on new installs, a 20% service fee for developers in new incentive programs (reduced to 15% on new installs), and a 10% fee for subscription payments. The updates are expected to reach the US, UK, and European Economic Area by the end of June, with plans to extend to Australia by September and to South Korea and Japan before the year ends. The remaining global markets may see these updates by September 2027, and the Registered App Stores program will launch with Android 17 later this year.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Google Revamps Android App Store Rules, Cuts Fees Amid Global Antitrust Pressure

Alphabet's Google has announced a transformation in app distribution on Android devices, allowing external companies to register and launch their own app stores by paying a one-time fee. This change aims to enhance accessibility for competitors and lower costs for developers. Google will reduce its standard commission for developers from 30% to as low as 15% or 10% in some cases, with implementation expected by June in the US, UK, and EU, and similar changes in Australia, South Korea, and Japan by the end of 2026. Developers using Google’s billing services will incur a flat fee of 5%, while they can also opt for third-party payment processors. Epic Games has expressed approval of these changes, which they believe will help resolve ongoing litigation. Google generated approximately .66 billion in sales from its app marketplace in 2020, and regulatory changes could reduce its gross profit by around billion. The European Commission has accused Google of violating the Digital Markets Act, which could lead to fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue. Google has previously faced €9.5 billion in fines for competition law violations. A US jury ruled in 2023 that certain Android policies violated antitrust law, leading to an injunction requiring Google to allow competing app stores access to its app catalog. Despite regulatory pressures, Google stated that the changes to the developer fee structure were voluntary and not mandated by legal rulings.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

With developer verification, Google’s Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android’s open legacy

The F-Droid team published an open letter to Google, supported by 35 organizations, expressing concerns about Google's changes to the Android ecosystem. Many Android users rely on Google for app installations, facing challenges when trying to use alternative app stores or open-source apps without verification. Some developers are shifting to progressive web apps instead of Android. Alternatives to Google's verification system include non-certified Android devices and privacy-focused ROMs like LineageOS or GrapheneOS, but these options come with security vulnerabilities and installation difficulties for most users. Telecom companies impose restrictions on devices to ensure they work on their networks, leading to a reliance on stock software and security updates from Google and manufacturers.

BetaBeacon

January 26, 2026

Epic and Google have a secret $800 million Unreal Engine and services deal

A judge is questioning whether Epic Games and Google are settling their antitrust fight partly because of a new partnership involving the Unreal Engine, Fortnite, and Android. The deal includes joint product development, marketing commitments, and partnerships. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney referred to the agreement as relating to the "metaverse." The deal involves Epic spending 0 million over six years to purchase services from Google. The settlement arrangement is tied to the business deal, and Epic views it as a significant transfer of value from Epic to Google. Epic and Google would only make the deal if the settlement goes through, and Sweeney considers it an important part of Epic's growth plan for the future.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Google’s 2025 Android App Policy Overhaul: Safety and Privacy Focus

Google has announced a suite of policy updates for 2025 aimed at enhancing user safety, data privacy, and ecosystem integrity on the Android platform. Key changes include a revised Developer Distribution Agreement that imposes stricter requirements on app functionality, content moderation, and compliance with global regulations. Developers must now avoid misleading practices, obtain explicit consent for data usage, and implement age-gating mechanisms for apps with matchmaking, dating, or gambling functionalities by October 30, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, developers will be restricted to using the Age Signals API for age-appropriate experiences. In India, Google is aligning personal loan app requirements with local regulations, while monetization strategies are under scrutiny, with rules clarified around in-app purchases and advertisements. Developers will incur fees for linking to external payment systems. Mandatory developer verification will begin in 2026, and a global rollout of this verification is expected by 2027. To aid compliance, Google has integrated Policy Support into the Play Console and introduced mandatory testing for new apps. The updates also emphasize the importance of child safety and ethical considerations in app design, particularly regarding age-appropriate content and functionality. Google is enhancing its enforcement mechanisms and adapting policies to regional regulations while maintaining a cohesive global platform.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Here’s a look at how Android 17 will make alternative app stores easier to use

Google will introduce support for "Registered App Stores" with the upcoming Android 17 release as part of a settlement with Epic Games. Certified third-party app stores will have a streamlined installation process featuring a "single store install screen" that provides users with clear information about the store and necessary permissions. OEMs are required to simplify the installation process for these app stores, prohibiting additional restrictions on sideloading. The Epic Games Store will not be available on the Google Play Store, although Epic can list individual games like Fortnite. The settlement ends hostilities between Epic and Google, with both agreeing to refrain from disparaging each other and Epic acknowledging Google's practices as procompetitive while still advocating for broader changes in the mobile ecosystem.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Android 17 Retrofits Alternative App Store Installs

Android 17 will introduce a system for "Registered App Stores," allowing third-party app stores that meet Google's certification standards to benefit from a unified installation interface. Users will see a straightforward prompt when installing a certified app store, with clear explanations and links to essential information. Certified stores will automatically gain permission to install and manage other applications, simplifying the installation process and improving user experience. The initiative will reduce barriers imposed by OEMs, ensuring a consistent installation process across devices. Security measures will remain intact, with Google Play Protect continuing to scan apps from all sources. The new system will be integrated into Android 17, with potential support in the initial release or by Android 17 QPR2. Competing app stores will not be able to promote themselves through Google Play, but users can still access certain titles directly through their respective apps.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Epic and Google agree to settle their lawsuit and change Android’s fate globally

Google and Epic Games have settled their lawsuit over app store policies. The settlement includes changes to Google's app store fees and allows third-party app stores to be featured in the Google Play Store. Google has agreed to reduce its fees and allow alternative app stores to register with them until June 2032. This settlement could impact the app store ecosystem by providing more choice for developers and promoting competition. The new fee structure is tailored to the needs of developers, especially game developers like Epic Games. This settlement could set a precedent for other major app store platforms to reconsider their fee structures and policies.