# Third-Party App Stores Coming to Google Play Next Week The withdrawal of the Epic settlement heralds major changes for Android. - **Source:** [Ars Technica - All content](https://brifing.si/source/b728770c-8dda-457a-8986-84879c9fc42c) - **Published:** 2026-07-15 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6d0cedb3-976b-4722-91e0-b63389b4d080 ## A New Era for Android The integration of third-party app stores into Google Play marks a significant shift in the Android ecosystem. This move is seen as a step against Google's monopolistic practices. ## Epic Settlement Withdrawn The withdrawal of the settlement between Google and Epic Games paves the way for third-party stores to be included in Google Play. This could fundamentally change software distribution on Android. ## The V-Bucks Crisis and Its Consequences Epic Games' 30% commission to Apple and Google for V-Bucks sales in Fortnite led to a major legal battle. This process questioned Google's management of the open Android ecosystem. ## Google's Anti-Competitive Practices Google used its market power to steer device manufacturers away from alternatives to its own store. This behavior was criticized by the court and led to regulatory measures. ## The Court's Decisions Judge James Donato ruled that Google must charge lower fees, allow apps to be available in other stores, and integrate alternative stores into Google Play. ## The Future of Android These changes could create a more competitive environment in the Android ecosystem. The presence of third-party stores may offer new opportunities for users and developers. ## Sources covering this story - https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/07/third-party-app-stores-coming-to-google-play-next-week-as-epic-settlement-withdrawn/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._