Android 17 QPR2 is required before you can install verified third-party app stores

Google has unveiled new rules for the Registered App Stores program, allowing third-party Android storefronts to operate under Google's umbrella, similar to the Play Store. The program, set to launch on December 1, 2026, will require Android 17 QPR2 or newer devices for compatibility. This move comes amid increased antitrust scrutiny from lawsuits with Epic Games and the EU's Digital Markets Act.

Registered app stores will provide users with a separate billing and fee structure, while still adhering to Google's security protocols. One notable feature is one-tap installation, which eliminates the need for additional confirmation screens during app downloads. The program will continue to support game updates, similar to the Play Store experience.

These stores will also have the ability to broadcast announcements and updates to their user base, streamlining communication. Google has confirmed that only a limited number of devices, primarily Google Pixel models, will be able to run these verified storefronts initially, as many OEMs have yet to fully support Android 17 QPR2.

Currently, approximately 1% of Android devices run Android 17, with this number expected to rise gradually as more manufacturers adopt the updated software. The registered app stores will initially be available in select countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the UAE, and the United Kingdom.

In the United States, Google permits competing third-party app stores, such as Epic Games Store and Amazon App Store, to distribute their offerings directly within the Play Store, in line with the settlements reached in the company's legal proceedings.