Google Hosts Third-Party App Stores in Play Store Following Epic Lawsuit

Google has begun hosting third-party app stores in its Play Store, a development resulting from an antitrust lawsuit with Epic Games. The first third-party app store available is Aptoide, which focuses on games and has been accessible as a sideloaded client since the early days of Android. This change follows a ruling by Judge James Donato, who imposed several remedies after Epic's victory in 2023, including the requirement for Google to distribute third-party app stores. Other remedies include lowering developer fees and allowing alternative payment systems. Initially, Google had reached a settlement with Epic that would allow certification of third-party app stores without hosting them in the Play Store, but this settlement was withdrawn when it appeared the court would not approve it. The Registered App Store program is expected to launch internationally, but in the US, Google is complying with the court's orders.