Google Corporation has agreed to allow third-party app stores on Google Play. Initially, a court attempted to force them to do this, but Google actively resisted. However, after negotiations with Epic Games, they decided to make concessions.
Google Play will open up to external stores next week, on July 22. The corporation specified that for now, they will be available exclusively in the United States, while the previously introduced “Registered App Stores” system will remain in place for the rest of the world. This system, as a reminder, allows stores to distribute on Android in general, not just within Google Play.
Stores wishing to enter Google Play must comply with several conditions:
- annually pay Google a fee of $5,000;
- have a “clear and non-discriminatory” security policy;
- host apps from all developers meeting the requirements;
- ensure that the percentage of malicious apps does not exceed 1%.
Google has already begun notifying American developers that third-party app stores will soon automatically receive information about their projects. Teams can opt-out of data sharing, but for this, they need to access their Google Play Console settings and set a restriction.