Google Opens Registration for Registered App Stores Program to Simplify Third-Party App Installs on Android
Google has opened registration for its Registered App Stores program, allowing approved third-party stores to install applications in one tap without additional system prompts and to update them silently in the background.
The new capabilities will activate on December 1, 2026, for devices running Android 17 QPR2 and later. Russia is included in the list of supported countries. Conditions for participation are published on the official Android Developers site.
Participation requires an annual registration fee of $10,000, payable before the application review begins. Store operators must submit their entire APK catalog and all subsequent updates to Google for malware scanning. Additional requirements cover organizational verification, transparent distribution rules, personal data protection, and malware prevention measures.
If more than 1% of installation attempts or 2% of applications in the catalog are flagged as potentially dangerous within any 30-day window, Google will apply extra charges for verification and risk mitigation.
Enrollment remains voluntary. Stores that choose not to join can continue operating under the current multi-step installation procedure. Users are expected to encounter fewer confirmation dialogs, while participating store owners receive streamlined installation and regular catalog scanning services.
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