Third-party app marketplaces are now allowed to distribute apps outside of the Play Store, but they must still adhere to Google's rules. These requirements include terms related to security, privacy, and user safety. Additionally, developers of these marketplaces must pay Google a fee of $5,000 upfront for security and policy reviews, as well as an annual fee, to onboard Play Store apps.
The decision to allow third-party app marketplaces on the Play Store is a result of an agreement between Google and Epic Games. Epic Games had been taking Google and Apple to court over the removal of Fortnite from the iOS App Store and the Play Store. The company was protesting the steep fees charged by both platforms and had offered users a way to pay Epic Games directly, violating App Store and Play Store policies.
In 2021, a judge ruled that Google had an illegal monopoly over Android applications and needed to allow third-party app stores to operate on its platform. Google attempted to undo the ruling, but ultimately agreed to allow third-party app stores. However, the judge found that allowing them outside of the Play Store was insufficient. Google has now withdrawn its motion to modify the court's injunction, paving the way for third-party app marketplaces to operate on the Play Store.
A spokesperson for Google stated that the company has agreed to withdraw its motion and focus on executing its global business model evolution. This will deliver greater app store choice, lower prices, and more opportunities for developers and users. Google remains committed to maintaining Android's industry-leading security and fostering a competitive ecosystem where every app store and developer has the freedom to compete.
The exact details of how third-party app marketplaces will work on the Play Store are still unclear. However, with Google's strict requirements in place, the experience for users is likely to be similar to what they are used to. While Epic Games is expected to roll out a third-party app marketplace, it remains to be seen who else will follow suit. Notably, Apple only offers third-party app stores in the EU, where regulations require them to do so.
