In fact, Google will have to ensure the easier access to third-party app stores for Android users in the US. The company already demonstrated a prototype of such an experience.This happens against the backdrop of the lawsuit between Google and Epic Games regarding the distribution of apps on Android devices. Google’s lawyers have told the court that developers need around 10 more days to complete the changes ordered by US District Judge James Donato.About The AuthorJournalist and a writer with a strong interest in news, culture, technology, and human-interest stories. Passionate about making complex topics accessible and engaging.The judge had previously criticised Google’s implementation, arguing that the company was adding unnecessary friction to the process of installing rival app stores. Google has now presented a new version of the interface as it works towards complying with the court’s requirements.Google had already started allowing rival app storesThird-party app stores have always been possible on Android, but users traditionally had to sideload them or use devices where an alternative store was already installed. The situation changed following Epic Games’ legal challenge against Google.In December 2023, a jury found that Google had unlawfully maintained a monopoly over Android app distribution and its Google Play Billing service. Judge Donato later ordered significant changes to the Play Store, including requiring Google to make rival app stores more accessible.As part of the changes, Google began allowing third-party stores to appear within the US version of the Play Store. Aptoide became the first major example, giving users a way to discover and install another app marketplace directly through Google Play.However, the implementation soon attracted criticism.Judge says Google made alternative stores too difficult to findThe problem was not that Google completely blocked third-party stores. Instead, the concern was how difficult it could be for an average user to actually find and install one.More articles by AuthorTrending StoriesDuring a recent court hearing, Epic demonstrated that searching terms such as "store for apps" could return results for physical retailers rather than alternative digital app stores. Even when users found a third-party store, it could appear under a dedicated section rather than alongside regular Play Store search results.There was also another important difference: instead of the familiar Install button used for normal apps, Google had reportedly displayed a View button for third-party app stores.Judge Donato was unhappy with the approach and said the additional steps amounted to unnecessary "anticompetitive friction". He subsequently ordered Google to make the installation process easier.Google has agreed to implement the changes, although the company says developers need additional time to complete them.What the new prototype could changeThe current prototype provides an initial glimpse at how Google can improve upon the user interface. It would be useful to make the third party app stores feel like a regular feature in the Android ecosystem rather than being concealed behind menu choices and warning screens.At this point the actual design has not been finalized, so it is premature to predict what features will be retained for the public version. According to the latest court filing by Google, the company will continue making changes and anticipate taking 10 more days.The changes could be particularly significant for users who want alternatives to Google Play. Rival stores could offer different app catalogues, payment systems and distribution models, giving developers another route to reach Android users.Epic v. Google has already changed AndroidThe latest dispute is another chapter in a case that has been running for years.Epic sued Google in 2020 after removing Fortnite from Google Play following a disagreement over in-app payment fees. Epic argued that Google's control over Android app distribution and billing amounted to an illegal monopoly.Although Google has appealed parts of Judge Donato's original remedies, the wider dispute has already pushed the company towards major changes. Google and Epic have also reached a broader settlement covering their legal disputes, including changes to Play Store fees and alternative billing.Google has started rolling out a new billing structure in which developers can face lower, decoupled fees depending on how users acquired an app and whether Google Play Billing is used.For Android users, however, the third-party app store changes could prove to be one of the most visible consequences of the case. If Google completes the redesign as ordered, installing an alternative app marketplace should eventually require fewer steps and feel much closer to installing an ordinary app.For now, the interface shown by Google remains a prototype. The company still has to finish the required changes, and Judge Donato will ultimately determine whether the revised experience addresses the concerns raised in court. FAQsWhy is Google redesigning the third-party app store experience?Google is making changes following its legal battle with Epic Games. US District Judge James Donato ruled that Google must make rival app stores easier for Android users to find and install.What did the judge object to in Google's earlier implementation?Judge Donato criticised Google for adding unnecessary steps, or “anticompetitive friction”, to the process. Alternative app stores could be difficult to find, and Google reportedly used a View button instead of the familiar Install button.Can Android users already install third-party app stores?Yes. Android has traditionally allowed third-party app stores, but users often had to sideload them or use devices where another store was pre-installed. Google has now also started allowing rival stores to appear within the US Play Store.Which third-party app store was the first to appear on Google Play?Aptoide became the first major third-party app store to be made available through the US version of Google Play.What does Google's new prototype show?A. The prototype provides an early look at a redesigned interface intended to make third-party app stores easier to discover and install. However, Google has not finalised the design yet.end of article