So far, neither Google nor Facebook have commented on the report, and it seems unlikely that Facebook would create its own app store any time soon. In fact, the Information writes that although its sources say the relationship between the two is rocky,
Supposedly, Facebook is just preparing for the worst-case scenario in which its app is removed from the Play Store for violating Google’s app policies. The idea is that as the social network pushes more secretive tests on its users, Google might start to crack down on the social network’s behavior. Future changes to privacy, security, notifications, and app privileges might also force
Facebook has supposedly already tested to see if users would bypass the Play Store, asking a small group to download the Android app from a Web link. The test “wasn’t disastrous,” but there were struggles trying to get users to trust mobile links.
Other contingency plans include using the Oculus VR app store, which is pre-loaded on Samsung devices, or working with OEM partners to stay alive on Android, says the report. Interestingly, the openness of
The report goes into a lot of detail about the various plans, but it’s unclear whether these plans — if they are real — will ever be put into action. It is hard to see how Google could ever remove one of the most popular apps on its store, and Facebook seems equally unlikely to leave the Play Store voluntarily. The report sounds even more unlikely when you consider that
