Google has added the Aptoide app store to Google Play, making it the first third-party store available through Google's own storefront. This change comes after a court ruling in the Epic v.

Google case, which required Google to make it easier for users to install apps and games from third-party stores. For now, Aptoide is only available in the US and focuses on gaming. Google Play now includes a dedicated section for third-party stores.

Aptoide already had a user base among Android gamers who were comfortable with sideloading. It is now an official alternative to Google Play.

Google Play Now Distributes Third-Party App Stores in the US

The change follows the court ruling in Epic's case against Google, which requires Google to make third-party stores easier to use and give users more choice.

Google Play now includes a dedicated section for third-party stores. It reads: "Google Play is now distributing third-party Android app stores in the United States.

To find, discover, and install third-party app stores, open the Play Store on your Android device and search for app stores or access them through your account menu." Users in the US can now access third-party app stores through the Play Store:

1. Open the Play Store on an Android device.
2. Search for "app stores," or access the third-party store section through the account menu.
3. Install a listed third-party store, such as Aptoide, from within Google Play.

What Comes Next for Third-Party Stores

BetaNews points out that while Aptoide is the first third-party store on Google Play, others are likely to follow. It is not clear how quickly Google will accept submissions from additional stores, or how many third parties will choose to pay the required fees for distribution through Google Play.

Aptoide is available now through Google Play in the United States. BetaNews does not indicate when the third-party store distribution will expand to other regions, or which additional stores may follow Aptoide onto Google Play.

How quickly Google processes further submissions and the fee structure third parties must meet have not been detailed.