Google and Epic give up fighting — third-party Android app stores are coming next week
Google and Epic have withdrawn their appeal against a US court injunction, clearing the path for third-party app stores to launch on Android devices.
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The brief
Google and Epic have collectively moved to withdraw their bid to modify an existing US Play Store injunction. This decision marks the end of their current legal conflict, paving the way for the integration of third-party application marketplaces into the Android ecosystem. Coverage from The Verge, MLex, and Hypebeast emphasizes that the shift toward interoperability will take effect on July 22.
Tech Times reports that Android developers are now tasked with determining how to manage their app catalog availability under these new parameters. Meanwhile, Law360 notes that a court economist has questioned the evidence-based foundation of the previous Epic-Google deal. Attention now shifts to the July 22 deadline.
It remains to be seen how developers will navigate the transition to the new interoperable catalog system as rival storefronts begin their operations.
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Quick answers
When do the new app store changes go into effect?
The Play Store catalog interoperability is scheduled to go live on July 22, 2026.
What is the status of the legal case between Google and Epic?
Google and Epic have withdrawn their bid to modify the US Play Store injunction.
How are developers affected by this change?
Android developers are required to make decisions regarding their catalog interoperability as third-party stores begin to launch.
Coverage (5)
- Court Economist Says Epic-Google Deal Isn't Evidence-Based Law360 · 6h ago
- Play Store Catalog Interoperability Goes Live July 22: Android Developers Must Decide Tech Times · 6h ago
- Google, Epic withdraw bid to modify US Play Store injunction MLex · 6h ago
- Google Play Opens to Rival App Stores After Epic Case Hypebeast · 6h ago
- Google and Epic give up fighting — third-party Android app stores are coming next week The Verge · 6h ago
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