Google is making another major change to how Android apps are distributed in the US. Starting July 22, eligible third party Android app stores will be able to display apps available on the Google Play Store through a new Play Catalog Access Program.

There's one catch, though. While users may discover Play Store apps through these alternative marketplaces, the apps themselves will still be downloaded and installed via Google Play.

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Google says the new programme is only open to US based app stores that are registered as organisations. These marketplaces must operate as legitimate Android app stores, comply with Google's privacy, security and intellectual property rules, and have the necessary rights to distribute apps.

The company has also laid down several conditions for participating stores. They must provide users with app details, offer controls for app installations and updates, provide customer support and regularly refresh their Play catalogue so listings remain up to date.

Google is also placing limits on how the catalogue can be used. Participating app stores can only offer Play Store apps to users in the US. They cannot charge additional download fees, make money from Play catalogue installations or share Google's catalogue data with other marketplaces. In addition, Google says these stores must continue offering apps outside the Play catalogue instead of relying solely on its listings.

App store operators that want to join the programme will have to go through an application process, agree to Google's terms and pay a $5,000 (roughly Rs. 4.81 lakh) security and policy review fee. The same fee will be charged every year to remain part of the programme. Once approved, they'll be able to complete the remaining setup through the Play Console before accessing the Play catalogue.

Even with third party stores listing Play Store apps, Google says downloads will continue to happen through Google Play. The company also confirmed that its existing Play service fee will continue to apply to apps installed through the programme.

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The announcement comes as Google continues to make changes to Android app distribution following its legal battle with Epic Games. Earlier reports had suggested the company was preparing to let eligible third party marketplaces access the Play Store catalogue while keeping downloads routed through Google Play, and the new programme now puts that plan into action.