This week, Google and Epic Games jointly withdrew their previous application to a U.S. court, meaning that the antitrust ruling against Google by the U.S. court in October 2024 will continue to be enforced. According to the ruling, Google must allow Android devices to use third-party app stores and open up the Google Play app catalog. Google had originally planned to establish a 'registered app store' mechanism to allow third-party app stores to be installed via sideloading, but this was not approved by the court. Google will officially support third-party app stores in Google Play on July 22 (U.S. time), allowing users to install third-party apps without sideloading. Meanwhile, Google has launched the Play App Catalog Access Program for eligible third-party app stores to apply for access. However, third-party app stores must still meet a series of entry requirements, such as paying an annual fee and being limited to the U.S. market.