Following Epic loss, Google has started hosting rival app stores in the Play Store

A new day has dawned in the Play Store, and it’s one that Google tried very hard to avoid. The first third-party app store has arrived in Google Play as a result of the long-running antitrust lawsuit with Epic. Those in the US can now head into Google Play and download Aptoide, a game-focused store that has been available as a sideloaded client since the early days of Android. Forcing Google to distribute third-party app stores in Google Play was one of several remedies imposed by Judge James Donato after Epic emerged victorious in 2023. The remedies also included lowering developer fees, mirroring Google Play apps in other app stores, and allowing developers to use alternative payment systems. But it was the app store stipulation that seemed to irk Google the most. Google almost avoided this outcome when it agreed to a settlement with Epic, which was announced early this year. Under the terms, Google would certify third-party app stores to allow users to install and use them with less friction, but it would not host them in Google Play. However, Google and Epic withdrew the settlement when it appeared the court would not approve it. This Registered App Store program is still slated to launch internationally, but in the US, Google is only doing what it must to comply with the judge’s orders. The new third-party app stores page in Google Play is currently empty aside from Aptoide. This menu is pretty buried in the Play Store at this time. You can find it under Apps (bottom bar) > Categories (top bar) > Third-party app stores (way at the bottom). You can also search for “Aptoide,” and Google will suggest the link to the app store list, which will presumably fill out in time. We’ve asked Google if the app store list will be more accessible in the future and will update this article if we hear back.