Following Epic loss, Google has started hosting rival app stores in the Play Store
Google has begun hosting third-party app stores, such as Aptoide, within the Google Play Store to comply with a court order following its antitrust loss to Epic Games. This change marks a significant shift in Google's long-standing policy of restricting alternative app distribution channels.
Why it matters
This development is a major milestone in the ongoing legal battle over mobile platform monopolies and developer rights.
Legally required Following Epic loss, Google has started hosting rival app stores in the Play Store Aptoide has become the first app store distributed inside Google Play under a judge’s order.
20 Credit: Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Credit: Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav 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.
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