Running an app ecosystem has gotten a lot more complex for Google in the wake of its loss in the Epic Games antitrust case. While those in the US have access to app stores inside Google Play by order of the court, international users will have Google’s voluntary Registered App Stores program. Google has announced that stores wishing to be part of that program are now free to apply, and support will roll out to some Android devices later this year.
App stores accepted into the program will enjoy preferential treatment on the Android platform. Users of approved stores will be able to install apps with a single click, similar to the experience in the Play Store. These stores will also be allowed to update apps silently in the background like Google’s store does.
“In March, we announced the Registered App Stores program to give third-party app stores a more streamlined way to reach users while maintaining the safety and security of the Android ecosystem,” said a Google spokesperson. “Eligible app stores outside the US can now apply to register their stores ahead of the new simplified installation experience rolling out to users later this year.”
The Android Registered App Stores program was initially Google’s backup plan. After losing its appeal of Judge James Donato’s verdict, Google was faced with a number of remedies, like allowing third-party billing and sharing app catalogs with rival stores. The most dramatic shift was the court’s requirement that Google distribute third-party stores within Google Play.
Google and Epic, having patched things up following the trial, attempted to settle the case in a way that gave Google more control. Registered App Stores were intended as a replacement for hosting the stores in Google Play, provided they could adhere to a baseline level of trust and safety. Google intended to use this program in the US and internationally, but the companies withdrew the settlement when the court signaled it would not be approved.
Registered App Stores are still happening on Android, but they won’t be supported in the US—you can go to Google Play for alternative stores stateside, but so far, Aptoide remains the only one listed. Those operating Android app storefronts who want to be included in the international program can now review the program and begin the enrollment process.
Strict requirements, narrow support
Any store hoping to get approval will have to adhere to a number of requirements, including protecting intellectual property, removing illegal content, and publishing a privacy policy for both users and developers. Google also requires several ongoing security measures to ensure the stores do not give malware easier access to Android devices. As part of the application process, store operators must provide documentation for all these points (in English) and upload copies of all their apps.
It costs $10,000 per year to participate in the Android Registered App Stores program, and that fee must be paid before Google will review the application. Google says this fee covers the additional support necessary to run the program. There may also be additional review fees if Google detects a store has a problem with malware.
Google plans to roll out support in dozens of nations, which includes most of the world outside of the US and Europe. The program goes live on December 1, 2026, but it will only work on Android devices running the latest builds of Android 17. Google says support will start with Android 17 QPR2, which is expected to arrive on Pixel phones in the coming weeks. Google doesn’t even sell those in most of the supported regions, and the devices people do use in such places tend to have much slower updates. A substantial number of Android devices in supported countries may never even see an update compatible with the Registered App Stores program.
