Want to link from Google’s app store to your app? That’ll be $2–4 per install "While it isn’t collecting fees yet, Google says it will charge developers $2.85 for every app and $3.65 for every game a user installs within 24 hours of clicking a link that takes you outside Google’s app store to download them outside the Google ecosystem. Plus, it’ll take a 20 percent cut of any in-app purchases and 10 percent of any auto-renewing subscriptions. Apps still need to be submitted to Google for review, use a Google API to track them, and developers have to report all transactions (including $0 free trials) if they want to participate."

The Verge

Want to link from Google’s app store to your app? That’ll be $2–4 per install

Epic claims it’ll fight the fees.

And here is the dialog for relay-indexed apps. I want to emphasize that indexing apps doesn't mean *building* them, so behavior is more like Obtainium and less like F-Droid.

Latest iteration of the trust dialog, incorporating months of feedback. I'm liking it.

Zapstore 1.0 getting closer! We got a demanding bunch of alpha testers... never satisfied 😅

Publishing on Zapstore should be even easier

Some plans for 2026, if all goes well

Small wins for alternative Android stores? Google reacted to the pushback to their new developer registration rules announced back in August 2025 and has decided to ease some of the constraints: > The company also announced that it is developing a "new advanced flow" for experienced users with a higher risk tolerance who wish to sideload unverified apps. This new system will provide warnings about the associated risks but will ultimately allow users to make their own choices. If this is the case, Zapstore will offer hand-holding via the UI to users running stock Android, in order for them to unblock their devices.

BleepingComputer

Google backpedals on new Android developer registration rules

Google is backpedaling on its decision to introduce new identity verification rules for all developers, stating that it will also introduce account...

On the other hand, Android 17's "Registered App Stores" feature (as part of a legal settlement with Epic Games) may give a chance to Zapstore and other alternative stores. It is unclear whether developer registration rules will also apply to apps distributed via this mechanism.

Android Authority

Here's a look at how Android 17 will make alternative app stores easier to use

To settle its lawsuit with Epic, Google will make alternative app stores easier to use in Android 17. Here's what that might look like.