Judge James Donato, who initially ruled that Google’s monopoly over Android applications required direct competition within the Play Store, rejected the company’s push for a sideloaded "Registered App Store" alternative. By withdrawing their motion to modify the injunction, both companies have effectively conceded to the court's original terms to avoid further legal ambiguity.
Google to Host Rival App Stores on Play Store Starting July 22
Google and Epic Games have abandoned their bid to modify a court-ordered injunction, clearing the path for third-party app stores to integrate directly into the Google Play Store. Starting July 22, Google will begin sharing its vast application catalog with rival storefronts, ending a long-standing stalemate over Android distribution.
Starting next Wednesday, US developers will have their app listings automatically shared with third-party stores unless they opt out. Google has established a $5,000 annual fee for these platforms to access the Play Catalog, contingent on strict security and policy compliance. While the move signals a major shift in the mobile ecosystem, the global landscape remains fragmented; Google plans to proceed with its separate "Registered App Store" program for international markets later this year, potentially creating two distinct regulatory tracks for Android distribution.
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