- Approved third-party Android stores get one-tap installs and background updates from December 1.
- Qualifying stores must submit their full catalog for malware scanning and pay a $10,000 yearly fee.
- The feature is limited to Android 17 QPR2+ devices in supported countries; the US is excluded.
- Stores exceeding malware thresholds face extra fees, and Google‘s developer verification expands globally in 2027.
Third-party Android app stores can now apply to Google for permission to install apps with one tap and update them in the background, bypassing Android’s usual confirmation screens. To qualify, a store must pass identity checks and send Google its full catalog, along with every new app and update, for ongoing malware scanning.
Approved stores gain the features from December 1, but only on devices running Android 17 QPR2 or later in supported countries, which do not include the US. Today, users must first enable a third-party store, then confirm each install and update.
However, from December 1, a store in Google‘s Registered App Stores program gets that permission automatically once approved. Google announced the program in March, alongside changes it said resolved its disputes with Epic Games.
Meanwhile, the store must still get explicit user consent for each install and “must not install apps silently without user consent.” Large downloads and background installs must show visible notifications.
IT administrators can block registered stores from managed devices. Beyond catalog scanning, Google‘s requirements say a store must keep its developer identity verified, submit its own app for malware screening, fix security flaws, and not block other stores or hide Android’s security notifications.
Each store pays a $10,000 yearly fee and remains fully liable for its catalog. Consequently, if more than 1% of install attempts or more than 2% of apps are found potentially harmful over 30 days, Google charges additional cleanup fees.
Registered stores also get Google‘s Android Developer ID API to verify app developers. Since September 30, certified Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand have checked that apps from participating stores come from verified developers, with global expansion planned for 2027.
Availability follows each user’s home country, so short trips abroad do not disable the features. Android 17 QPR2’s latest version, released October 16, remains in beta with no final release date. In the US, a separate program for distributing third-party stores through Google Play has been in effect since July 22.
✅ Follow BITNEWSBOT on Telegram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X.com, and Google News for instant updates.
