Android 17 to Simplify Installation of option App Stores
Google is poised to substantially streamline the process of installing apps from sources outside of the Google Play Store with the release of Android 17, expected by the end of 2026. This change stems from a legal settlement reached with Epic Games adn will introduce support for “Registered App Stores,” making it considerably easier for users to access competing marketplaces on Android devices.
Currently, installing third-party app stores involves a complex and often cumbersome process, accompanied by numerous security warnings. Google’s update aims to eliminate this friction. Any app store that achieves Google’s certification as a “Registered App Store” will gain access to a simplified, unified installation method.
The new system will function through a “single store install screen” activated when a user clicks a “Download” button on a certified store’s website. This screen will present clear, neutral data confirming the store’s registered status and explaining the permissions required for installation and app management. Upon user approval, the app store will automatically receive the necessary permissions, removing the need for manual adjustments to security settings to enable sideloading.
To ensure a consistent user experience, Google has committed to contractual obligations preventing Android device manufacturers (OEMs) from implementing additional warning screens or barriers that would complicate the streamlined installation process, as reported by Android Authority.
The changes are a direct outcome of the legal battle between Epic Games and Google. While Epic will not be bringing the full Epic Games Store to the Google Play Store, it retains the option to list individual games, like Fortnite, on the platform. The settlement also establishes a truce between the two companies regarding past business practices,allowing Epic to concentrate its efforts on challenging the restrictions within Apple’s App Store ecosystem.
Google plans to deliver the foundational Android changes supporting Registered App Stores by the end of 2026, and the feature is anticipated to be included in the initial release of Android 17.
