Google announced updated guidelines for the Registered App Stores program, which officially grants third-party Android storefronts the same privileges as the Play Store.
Google shared the guidelines on its developer website, noting that app stores can now apply for certification. The program will officially launch on December 1, 2026, and will support Android 17 QPR2 or higher. Google also said registered app stores will offer support for background updates on Android (via Phone Arena).
Verified app stores to offer automatic background app updates
In March 2026, Google announced the Registered App Stores initiative amid broader antitrust pressure from the settlement effort and litigation with Epic Games, and the passage of the new EU Digital Markets Act.
With Registered App Stores, developers and companies can register their storefronts with Google for approval. Once approved, they can offer their own apps and services to Android users outside the Play Store, with far fewer restrictions. Meanwhile, users in the United States can access third-party app stores directly in the Play Store.
In addition to a better distribution channel, these registered app stores will also use their own billing and fee systems, with Google overseeing security standards for these stores and apps.
The updated guidelines also say Registered App Stores will support one-tap installation without an extra confirmation screen and automatic background app and game updates, similar to apps installed on the Play Store.
This contrasts with sideloaded apps, which require extra security permissions and lack automatic background updates.
Verified app stores can also broadcast announcements and updates on their platform, making it easier to reach users.
One-tap installs: Users can download and install apps directly from the store without secondary system confirmation screens.
Effective Communication: Notification capabilities allows the store to keep users informed of important updates and status changes efficiently.
Availability of verified Android app stores
Google says Registered App Stores will launch on December 1, 2026, supporting Android devices running Android 17 QPR2, the latest stable build available.
That means only a very small number of users can install Google-verified storefronts, mostly on supported Google Pixel devices, since many OEMs, including Samsung, have just rolled out Android 17 based on QPR1.
As of writing, about 1% of Android devices run Android 17, though we expect that figure to grow slowly as more OEMs adopt Android 17.
Verified storefronts are available in select countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE, and the United Kingdom, among others.
In the US, Google allows rival third-party stores like the Epic Store to distribute directly in the Play Store, in compliance with the remedies Google agreed to in its court settlement.
No confirmed app stores have applied or been approved yet, but we can expect Aptoide to be the first third-party app store approved in the US. Amazon App Store and Epic Games Store may also apply given their user base and reach.
