Android 17 Facilitates Third Party App Store Installation Thanks To The 'Registered App Stores' Feature

JAKARTA - Google is preparing for major changes to the way users install apps outside the Google Play Store. As part of legal settlement with Epic Games, Android 17 will bring support for Registered App Stores a new system that makes installing third-party app stores much easier, secure, and barrier-free.

Currently, installing app stores outside the Play Store requires several additional steps and displays various security warnings. But on Android 17, the situation will change drastically.

Every third-party app store that gets certified as Registered App Store will have a much simpler integrated installation method. When the user taps the Download' button on the store's website, Android 17 will display a single store install screen single installation screen that provides neutral information, such as registration status and required permission.

If the user agrees to it, the app store will automatically get permission to install and manage other applications without the need for manual settings such as activating sideloading.

Google also agreed on a contractual obligation that hardware partners (OEMs) should not add additional warnings or barriers that could interfere with this one-tap installation channel. This means that the installation experience will remain consistent on all Android devices running Android 17.

This big change was triggered directly by the settlement of legal disputes between Epic Games and Google. Although Google is now opening an easier path for rival app stores, the deal mentions some important points for Epic:

Epic Games won't bring the Epic Games Store full to the Google Play Store.

However, Epic remains entitled to release certain games, such as Fortnite, on the Play Store if they wish.

Both parties also agreed to stop disputes related to previous business practices, so Epic could focus more on its battle against the closed ecosystem of the Apple App Store.

Google targets to bring the core of Android changes to the Registered App Stores before the end of 2026, most likely in conjunction with the initial release of Android 17.

With this step, Google not only meets lawsuits, but also opens up a wider Android ecosystem, giving users greater freedom of choice of how they get the app without sacrificing security or comfort.