Google Play may be coming to China

For those in major markets like the United States, we tend to think of Android as a Google-powered OS that is centered around the search giant’s services like Maps, Google Play and many others. However, a good portion of the world actually runs Android in its AOSP form or a modded version of the experience, completely devoid of Google apps and services.

Back in October we reported on a claim from The Information that Google was looking to slow AOSP Android’s growth in emerging markets by making it easier for smaller players to get their devices Google certified. In a related story released today, it seems Google is also taking aim at China.

Google officials and Chinese government reps have been in informal talks over such matters off and on for years​

Right now, Google Play and other Google services aren’t officially supported by the vast majority of Chinese mobile devices, except for a small minority bought from the gray market and other similar sources. Several people with knowledge of Google’s plans have revealed to The Information that Google is hoping to change this by introducing an official Google Play app to the Chinese market.

Considering the Chinese government and Google haven’t always been on the best of terms, it’s unclear whether China would even approve such a release, although it is worth mentioning that Google officials and Chinese government reps have been in informal talks over such matters off and on for years.