Google confirms easier installation of third-party app stores on Android

Google has confirmed a major change first announced in March. Android will make it easier to install certain third-party app stores.

The legal disputes between Fortnite’s creator and Google and Apple continue to reshape the mobile ecosystems of both technology giants. For Android, Google announced a series of measures in March intended to make its mobile platform more open than it already is. On payments, the company said that developers publishing their apps on the Google Play Store would be able to avoid Google’s payment system, on which it charges a commission.

Android Registered App Stores to simplify installation

That was not the only announcement: Google also unveiled its “Registered App Stores” programme, designed to make it simpler to install third-party stores competing with the Google Play Store on Android. “Our new ‘Registered App Stores’ programme will streamline the installation process for Android app stores that meet certain quality and security criteria. *Once this change is implemented, app stores that choose to take part in this optional programme will be registered with us, meaning users who manually install them will benefit from a simplified installation process***,” the company explained.

Google has now confirmed these changes. In the United States, the dispute between Google and Fortnite’s developer has entered a new phase. “We have agreed with Epic to withdraw our request to modify the injunction issued by the US court, rather than extending proceedings that create uncertainty for the ecosystem. *This allows us to focus on implementing the recently announced evolution of our global business model, to provide greater choice in app stores, lower prices and more opportunities for developers and users***,” the company said in a statement reported by The Verge.

US users will receive further benefits

Today’s announcement applies to the US market. However, it also provides reassurance for users elsewhere in the world. As a reminder, Google said in March that the Registered App Stores programme would launch this year as part of a major Android update.

In the United States, Google will go further still, as it is now required to offer stores competing with the Google Play Store within its own store. In the rest of the world, meanwhile, the installation of third-party app stores will simply be made easier through the Registered App Stores programme.