More choices the better, but you're right. It's certainly not a win. It's a small barrier still in place against Google continuing to take away individuals right to choose what they put on their devices.
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.
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.
https://www.androidauthority.com/android-17-registered-app-stores-mockup-3616122/
Discussion
Of course! It's a small win relative to their initial plan