alternative app stores Archives

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.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Epic Games and Google Propose Landmark Global Settlement to Reshape Android App Store

Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement in the Epic v Google case, with Google proposing to make changes to open up the Android market globally and extend the settlement through June 30, 2032. The settlement includes a new fee structure for developers, allowing them to use alternative payment systems and reducing fees for in-app purchases. Additionally, a new program will make it easier for users to install alternative app stores. Both CEOs hailed the settlement as a win for the original vision of Android as an open platform.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Epic & Google Settle Lawsuit, Introduce Changes for All Developers

Epic Games and Google have settled their legal battle over app store fees and access. Google has agreed to reduce its standard fee to either 20% or 9%, depending on the type of transaction, starting from October 30, 2025. Google will also allow alternative app stores to register with them for easy installation by users. These changes will be implemented for developers worldwide from March 31, 2026, until June 2032.

BetaBeacon

November 6, 2025

Google Agrees to Make Major Play Store Changes to Settle Epic Games Antitrust Lawsuit

Google has proposed changes to its Play Store and Android in order to settle an antitrust dispute with Epic Games. The changes include allowing alternative payment methods for app developers, supporting Registered App Stores like Epic Games, and implementing new fee structures for transactions. The settlement could impact the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple, as Google's case is not directly applicable to Apple's situation.

BetaBeacon

November 5, 2025

Google and Epic strike a deal that could open up Android to third-party stores

Google and Epic Games have reached a deal that will allow third-party app stores to operate on Android devices worldwide.

BetaBeacon

November 5, 2025

Epic Games Wins Big as Google Offers a Global Settlement

Epic Games and Google have reached a settlement in the Epic v. Google case, which could force Google to open up Android globally until 2032. The settlement includes Google Play fees dropping to 20% or 9%, alternative app stores becoming easier to install, and changes applying worldwide.

AppWizard

November 5, 2025

Epic vs Google ends: Fortnite-maker and Google settle five-year long court battle with lower fees, and opening Android to rival app stores – The Times of India

Google and Epic Games have settled their antitrust dispute, leading to changes in the Android app ecosystem, including lower fees and improved access to rival app stores until 2032. Google will reduce service fees to 20% for in-app purchases that provide gameplay advantages and 9% for those that do not, allowing developers to direct customers to alternative payment systems without incurring fees. Additionally, Android will enable users to install competing app stores with a simple prompt, addressing barriers that previously hindered such installations. The settlement is pending review by US District Judge James Donato.