Android 17 Will Finally Make Third-Party App Stores Less Painful

According to Android Authority, Google’s proposed settlement with Epic Games will fundamentally change how third-party app stores work on Android. The company is committing to introduce “Registered App Stores” in Android 17, creating a certification program for legitimate alternative app platforms. These certified stores will get access to a new “single store install screen” that uses neutral language to explain what permissions the store needs. The changes represent Google’s response to legal pressure over its app distribution practices and could significantly lower barriers for competing app stores.

Why this matters

Here’s the thing – sideloading apps on Android has always been possible, but Google made it intentionally clunky. You’d get scary warnings about security risks, multiple confirmation screens, and the whole experience felt like you were doing something wrong. Basically, they were protecting their Play Store revenue while pretending it was about user safety.

Now, with this “neutral language” approach, we might finally see a level playing field. Imagine if Epic Games Store or Samsung’s Galaxy Store could install with the same smooth experience as the Play Store. That changes everything for competition. And honestly, it’s about time – Apple’s been fighting similar battles in Europe with the Digital Markets Act.

Business implications

So what’s Google’s play here? They’re clearly trying to head off more regulatory scrutiny while maintaining some control. By creating a “certification” process, they’re still the gatekeeper deciding which stores get the streamlined installation. It’s a compromise – they give up some control but not all of it.

The timing is interesting too. This settlement comes right as regulators worldwide are cracking down on big tech’s walled gardens. Google probably figured it was better to make these changes voluntarily rather than have them forced through legislation. Smart move, really.

For developers and companies building industrial applications, having more app store options could be huge. When you’re deploying specialized software for manufacturing or field operations, being tied to the Play Store’s rules and revenue cuts isn’t ideal. More competition means better terms and more flexibility for business-focused apps.

What’s next

I’m curious how many stores will actually go through Google’s certification process. Will Amazon bother? What about regional players in markets where the Play Store isn’t dominant? And will Google make the certification requirements reasonable or impossibly strict?

One thing’s for sure – this could finally break the Play Store’s stranglehold on Android app distribution. We might actually see real competition in app discovery, pricing, and developer revenue shares. About damn time, if you ask me.