Your Google Play apps are coming to third-party US app stores

Google recently notified app owners that starting July 22, 2026, their US app and game listings on Google Play will be made available to third-party US Android app stores. This is the result of a US Court order.

What this means in practice: your app name, icon, description, screenshots, and videos can be listed on other app stores operating in the US. The download itself still routes through Google Play, on the same terms as any direct Play Store download. Google's service fee continues to apply.

One thing worth being aware of: third-party stores are not governed by Google Play's content and other policies. They operate under their own terms. If your app has specific audience or content considerations, this is relevant.

Google Play will share your listings by default starting July 22 if you take no action. If you want to control this, you can set a preference in Play Console now. Three options are available:

• Publish all your app listings on all third-party app stores
• Manage third-party app stores individually per app
• Opt out entirely

This setting can be changed at any time. If you're unsure which option applies to your situation, get in touch. We can walk you through the implications and help you set the right preference before the deadline