Google to Simplify Installation of Third-Party App Stores with Android 17

With the upcoming release of Android 17, Google is set to introduce significant changes to its operating system by making it easier for users to install alternative app stores alongside its official Play Store. This move is a result of recent legal developments and aims to foster a more open and competitive app ecosystem on Android devices.

Under the new framework, third-party app store providers will be able to offer their platforms directly through their websites. These alternative stores, referred to as 'registered app stores,' will need to undergo a certification process by Google to ensure their legitimacy and security. Once approved, these stores can be installed via a streamlined, standardized process designed to be user-friendly and transparent.

An important aspect of this new system is the introduction of a unified installation screen for alternative app stores. When users choose to download a certified app store from a provider's website, they will encounter an installation prompt that provides clear, neutral information about the app store, its permissions, and its capabilities. The prompt will also clarify that the app store is officially registered with the Android system and that it will manage app installations, updates, and reviews through its own platform.

This development is expected to take effect with the launch of Android 17, which is anticipated in mid-2026. Google and its hardware partners will be required to adopt the new installation process, ensuring consistency across all certified Android devices. The certification for registered app stores will initially remain valid until June 2032, providing a long-term framework for app store competition on Android.

The planned changes follow a proposed settlement between Google and Epic Games, which aimed to resolve ongoing disputes over app distribution practices on Android. As part of the agreement, Google committed to making substantive modifications to its Play Store policies and its relationships with developers and manufacturers. The expanded support for alternative app stores is considered one of the most significant outcomes for end users.

Once installed, users will be able to browse, download, and update applications from these alternative stores in much the same way as they currently do via the Google Play Store. The system is designed to provide a seamless experience, reducing the number of steps required to add a new app store and making it more accessible to a wider audience. For example, users will only need to visit the provider's website and tap a download button to initiate the process.

To maintain device security, Google will continue to require that all apps installed on certified Android devices from autumn 2026 onwards are published by developers who have registered with Google and signed their applications. However, in response to user feedback, Google has also confirmed that there will be a sideloading option for advanced users, enabling them to install unsigned apps outside the verified ecosystem if they choose.

These changes position Google as more accommodating to third-party app distribution compared to some competing platforms. The new installation process is reportedly less complex than similar mechanisms employed by other mobile operating systems, reflecting Google's intention to balance user choice with security and transparency.

The first developer preview of Android 17 is expected soon, following the established release schedule of previous Android versions. This will give developers an early opportunity to adapt their app stores and applications to the new regulatory and technical requirements ahead of the full rollout.

Overall, Google's new policy is set to reshape the Android app ecosystem by providing consumers with greater flexibility while retaining necessary safeguards to protect device integrity and user data.