Aptoide Games, the specialized games app store, has been approved for distribution through Google Play in the United States under Google's new Play Catalog Access program.
VK has announced its decision to sell 100% of RuStore to Dmitry Pankrushev, the CEO of Mnogo Prilozheniy. This announcement coincided with recent European Union sanctions against VK. RuStore was established as a domestic alternative for Android users in response to restrictions imposed by Apple and Google after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The platform currently features over 110,000 applications and games, attracting 68 million monthly users. VK did not disclose the financial details of the sale or the reasons behind the divestment, while assuring users that operations would continue seamlessly. On the same day, Russian media reported that VK-related applications were removed from Google Play and Huawei's AppGallery, following previous removals from Apple's App Store. RuStore has faced allegations of user tracking and unauthorized access to data, which it denies, stating that its practices are standard for major app storefronts.
Google is allowing third-party Android app stores in the US to access the Google Play Store's catalog of apps through the Play Catalog Access Programme starting July 22. Eligible app stores can list apps available on Google Play but the actual download process will still be completed through the Google Play Store. The same terms and conditions as direct downloads from the Play Store will apply, including the Google Play service fee. Only Android app stores operating in the US can join the programme, and they must meet certain requirements such as displaying essential app information and offering customer support. App stores using Google's catalog must distribute Play Store apps only in the US, update their app listings regularly, offer other apps besides those in Google's catalogue, and not charge extra fees for downloads. Google will charge app store operators an annual ,000 service fee. To join the programme, app store operators must meet eligibility rules, submit an application, accept the agreement, pay the onboarding fee, create an app store account in the Play Console, submit required information and the app store APK for review, and integrate Google's Inline Install API upon approval. This move by Google is in compliance with a court order following its legal battle with Epic Games, with a settlement reached in November 2025.
Beginning next week, third-party Android app stores in the United States will gain access to the Google Play Store through the Play Catalog Access Program. This program allows developers to submit app and game listings for external Android app stores, which will be downloadable directly from the Google Play Store. Google Play's service fees will still apply to these transactions. This change follows a court order resulting from a legal dispute between Epic Games and Google, which began in 2020. A U.S. District Court judge mandated changes to the Play Store in 2024 after ruling against Google. In November, Google and Epic reached a settlement proposing modifications to enhance developer choice and competition. Third-party app stores will incur a service fee of ,000 for an onboarding security review and an annual fee of ,000 to maintain access to the Play catalog. However, these app stores cannot use the Play Store for distributing their apps outside the United States. Earlier this year, Google announced a reduction in its commission for app purchases to 10% and introduced outside billing options within the Play Store.
Today's Android game and app deals include titles such as ScourgeBringer, Retro Zoo CEO, Guardian War: Ultimate Edition, Final Fantasy Dimensions, Tiny Terraces, and Beat Workers. The official Google Pixel Flex Dual Port 67W USB-C Fast Charger is discounted by 25%. The Pixel 10 Pro is available at a discount of 0, and the Pixel Watch 4 is offered for less than its standard price. Google Pixel 10/Pro Pixelsnap cases have discounts of up to 36%. There are significant price reductions on several Android apps, reflecting a trend of accessibility and affordability in the mobile app sector. Additional Android app price drops continue to be available throughout the day.
On July 22, 2026, Google Play will launch its Play Catalog Access program, allowing third-party Android stores in the U.S. to access app listings from the Google Play Store, including names, icons, descriptions, screenshots, and metadata. Developers will be automatically enrolled unless they opt out by the deadline. The program enables these stores to showcase app listings while downloads will still occur through Google Play Console, ensuring Google’s service fee applies. All downloaded apps will undergo Play Protect scanning, and enrolled stores must prevent malware distribution, maintaining a malware installation-attempt rate below one percent.
A December 2023 jury verdict found that Google violated federal and California antitrust laws, leading to a Ninth Circuit decision that requires Google to grant third-party app stores access to its catalog, dismantling barriers to competition. The legal battle began in August 2020 when Epic Games sought changes to counter Google's monopolistic practices. A March 2026 settlement introduced a tiered service fee structure, reducing costs for developers from a flat 30 percent commission to 20 percent for new installs and 10 percent for subscriptions.
Developers can choose to publish all listings to all enrolled stores, manage stores individually, or opt out entirely. If no action is taken before July 22, Google will automatically share the app's listing with all enrolled third-party stores. The Play Catalog Access program aims to address the cold-start problem faced by alternative stores but does not guarantee a competitive ecosystem, as third-party stores must still create compelling user experiences to attract customers.
South Korea's antitrust regulator, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), has raised concerns about Google's practices in the Android app marketplace, identifying potential abuses of market dominance that may have stifled competition. The KFTC's Market Surveillance Bureau reported that Google's actions have impacted approximately 14.16 trillion won (around billion) in revenue. The report focuses on Google's "Games/Google Velocity Program," which operated from July 2019 to March 2026, providing financial support to game developers in exchange for launching games on Google's app store under favorable terms compared to competitors. This program reportedly diminished developers' incentives to use rival app stores, effectively creating a state of exclusive dealing with Google. If found guilty of market abuse, Google could face a fine of up to 6% of the affected revenue, approximately 0 million. Google has eight weeks to respond to the report, and the KFTC will issue a final ruling thereafter.
Google is overhauling its app store billing structure, moving away from the 30 percent commission rate. A tiered fee system will be introduced, allowing developers to potentially receive direct payments from users. Developers earning over one million dollars annually will have a reduced rate of 20 percent on new in-app purchases and 10 percent on subscriptions. Google is launching two new initiatives, the Games Level Up and Apps Experience programs, to reward developers who meet specific performance benchmarks and guidelines. Changes to the billing system will roll out in phases, with updates expected by the end of September 2026 and full implementation by September 30, 2027.
Google implemented new restrictions on the installation of applications from sources outside the Play Store. A poll by Android Authority found that 43% of 3,661 respondents regularly sideload applications, while just over a third reported doing so a few times. About 20% claimed they had never installed apps from outside the Play Store.
Recent investigations into the Google Play Store have revealed that a small group of developer networks is dominating the cast-to-TV and screen mirroring category, operating over 280 apps under deceptive accounts with a total of 1.8 billion installs. Users have reported that many of these apps do not function as advertised, displaying uncloseable ads, charging for "free trials," and promoting high weekly subscription fees. Key problematic networks identified include:
- iKame/Begamob (Vietnam): Manages over four accounts and more than 130 apps, with approximately 1.5 billion installs.
- MaxLabs (Hong Kong): Operates eight developer accounts with various app names.
- Package ID ai.chatbot.alpha.chatapp: Originally an AI chatbot, now rebranded as a casting tool.
- Nice – Polska Sp. z o.o.: Claimed to be a UK shell company run by an individual in Pakistan.
- Incube Technologies (Pakistan/UAE): Offers app store optimization services under the name “SwiftBiz Apps.”
Google is currently investigating these allegations and has stated that it will take appropriate action against apps violating its policies.
