Aptoide becomes first rival app store hosted in Google Play

Google has begun hosting third-party app stores inside the Google Play Store in the US, with Aptoide as the first to appear. The change stems from remedies imposed after Epic's antitrust victory against Google in 2023.

Aptoide is now available for direct download from Google Play. US users can install the game-focused store without enabling sideloading or encountering warnings. Apps and games from Aptoide install as easily as those from the Play Store itself.

Aptoide CEO Paulo Trezentos confirms the store has access to the full catalog of 1.9 million apps and 295,000 games permitted under the judge's ruling. More content will be added over time. Developers can opt out of the sharing arrangement.

The rollout follows a rejected settlement between Google and Epic. Google had agreed to certify third-party stores for easier installation but not host them in Google Play. The settlement was withdrawn when the court indicated it would not approve the terms. The Registered App Store program is still planned for international launch.

Judge James Donato's remedies after Epic's 2023 win also included lowering developer fees, mirroring Google Play apps in other stores, and allowing alternative payment systems. The app store hosting requirement appeared to irk Google the most. Google was ordered to begin offering alternative stores on July 22 but published rules and fees on that date.

The third-party app stores page in Google Play remains nearly empty. It currently lists only Aptoide and lacks prominent links in the Play Store UI. Searching for "Aptoide" surfaces the list page. Google has not yet detailed plans to improve visibility of the page.

It remains notable that neither Epic nor Microsoft has yet listed its own store despite the ruling. Aptoide had been available as a sideloaded client since the early days of Android. Trezentos noted considerable friction remained in reaching this point, with Google requiring stores to maintain reasonable security practices, user safety features, and provide APK copies for review.