Google authorizes Aptoide Games on Google Play

Google Play has added its first officially authorized third-party app store, Aptoide Games, following legal battles and anti-monopoly regulations like the Digital Markets Act. The author notes that installation is simple and the store offers access to a large catalog through the Play Catalog Access Program, though strict rules, a $15,000 upfront annual service fee, and curation requirements may limit similar storefronts. The author argues that despite these hurdles, these changes help prevent Android from becoming a walled garden. Open article →