Android users should prepare for expanded options as Google prepares to enable downloads of third-party apps through the Play Store beginning next week. This development follows the conclusion of the five-year legal battle with Epic Games, makers of the popular title Fortnite, which ended earlier this week.

US-based Android device owners will gain the ability to obtain third-party apps directly from Google Play as of July 22.

Epic Games initiated legal action against Google in 2020, alleging that the Play Store functioned as an illegal monopoly by limiting straightforward access to competing services including other app stores and alternative payment systems.

The court sided with Epic in late 2023, prompting US District Judge James Donato to issue a broad directive compelling Google to grant rival app stores entry to the Play Store platform.

Although the companies explored a settlement in November 2025 that proposed a Registered App Stores program keeping third-party stores as sideloaded applications, they later abandoned the plan to prevent further delays in the proceedings. Google has therefore returned to implementing the original court requirements.

The company has introduced a dedicated section for its Play Catalog Access Program, confirming that third-party app stores will become available for direct download inside Google Play from July 22 onward. This change will provide developers with improved exposure while listing their games and applications across external Android marketplaces.

Google will maintain its service fees on these downloads yet has reduced commissions on app purchases from 30 percent to 10 percent. Developers may now also present users with alternative payment options or direct links to their own websites for transactions.

Google representative Dan Jackson stated that resolving the matter allows the company to advance a new worldwide strategy focused on delivering more store options, reduced costs, and enhanced prospects for both users and developers.

Jackson added that Google will adhere fully to the original US court order while remaining dedicated to preserving Android's strong security standards and supporting a competitive environment in which all app stores and developers can participate freely.