A federal judge in California ordered Google to facilitate the installation of third-party app stores on Android devices, citing anticompetitive behavior by the tech giant.
A recent court session involving Epic Games and Google highlighted issues with the Play Store's app search functionality. Judge Donato expressed dissatisfaction with the current search process and instructed Google to improve it, specifically by removing the third-party app store-specific page under the "Are you looking?" banner. Aptoide has returned to the Play Store due to Google's Play Catalogue Access Program, which allows qualifying third-party stores to publish their apps. Epic Games continues to challenge Google’s practices, arguing that the Play Store complicates the installation process for rival app stores. Judge Donato noted the unnecessary friction caused by the "Are you looking for?" banner, questioning its utility and instructing Google to eliminate it. The ongoing legal battle has also led to the Epic Games Store being allowed on the Play Store in 2025.
Judge James Donato criticized Google's "anticompetitive friction" in Android app distribution during a courtroom session. This follows a jury's ruling nearly three years ago that Google held an illegal monopoly over Android apps. Judge Donato previously mandated changes to promote a more open app distribution environment, including requiring Google to feature rival app stores and grant them access to its app catalog. Epic Games argued that Google complicates the installation process for alternative app stores, which Judge Donato agreed was unacceptable. He questioned the search results for "store for apps" yielding physical stores instead of third-party app stores and insisted on improving search result comprehensiveness. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the requirement for users to click a “view” button before installing a third-party app store, ordering a streamlined installation process. Epic noted that searches for "app store" or specific names led to banners instead of direct app lists, which could hinder new app stores' visibility. Judge Donato agreed and demanded the removal of unnecessary screens, urging Google to implement these changes within a week.
1666: Amsterdam is a game developed by Patrice Désilets at his indie studio, Panache Digital Games, after a legal battle with Ubisoft for the rights. The studio produces 15 to 20 builds a day, focusing on progression over perfection. The game features a vast map, a compelling narrative, and innovative exploration mechanics, with an early access launch scheduled for August 25. The protagonist, Noa, embarks on a quest with her feline companion, who contains the soul of a man named Aaron from the 1990s, to uncover demonic Originals and reclaim their powers while facing witch hunters.
Aptoide Games is now officially accessible through Google Play for users in the United States, providing more choices for Android users and additional distribution opportunities for developers. This move comes after a legal battle between Google and Epic Games, which resulted in Google allowing competitors access to the Play Store by 2024.
Subnautica 2 launched in early access in May 2025 after facing corporate turmoil, including the removal of Unknown Worlds' leadership by Krafton and allegations of sabotage. Krafton accused the studio heads of neglect, while the ousted leadership claimed Krafton was stalling to avoid a financial obligation. Despite these challenges, Subnautica 2 sold 5 million copies shortly after its release. Unknown Worlds' CEO, Ted Gill, left his position amid the turmoil, and staff were set to receive bonuses from the earnout. Krafton reported record revenues of KRW 1.29 trillion and an operating profit of KRW 410.9 billion, largely attributed to Subnautica 2 and the PUBG franchise. PC revenue exceeded KRW 500 billion for the first time, but Krafton faced a net profit deficit of KRW 29.9 billion due to costs from acquiring Unknown Worlds and the earnout.
Starting July 22, 2026, Google will allow third-party app stores to connect to Google Play, subjecting apps downloaded from these stores to the same conditions and pricing as Google Play.
Google will allow the installation of third-party applications directly from the Google Play Store starting July 22, following a court ruling in favor of Epic Games in a five-year antitrust lawsuit. The lawsuit accused Google of monopolistic practices regarding its Play Store. A US District Judge ruled that Google must open its Play Store to rival app stores. Google has launched a page for its Play Catalog Access Program, enabling third-party app stores to be featured on Google Play. Google's service fees will still apply, but app purchase commissions have been reduced from 30% to 10%. Developers can now offer alternative payment methods and distribute purchase links to their own websites.
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.
In October 2024, a judge ordered Google to allow third-party app stores on the Android platform. Google has now decided to comply with this ruling, retracting its motion to amend the injunction. Changes are set to be implemented starting July 22, 2026, allowing third-party app stores to operate within the Play Store in the U.S. Developers' app listings will automatically be available to these stores unless they opt out. Third-party stores can offer apps from the Play Catalog if they pay an annual fee and meet certain criteria. However, questions remain regarding the integration of Play Protect security features and the assessment of third-party store security.
