Summary
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After complaints from developers, Google will relax its policy that would make it difficult to install apps via .APK files (sideloading);
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Installation of unverified apps will be possible, but will follow a new flow that includes risk warnings;
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Details of the adjustments to the new policy are yet to be presented.
In August, Google announced a new development policy for Android that, among other changes, would make sideloading (installing apps via .APK files) almost impossible. Complaints from independent developers about this were so numerous that the company decided to review this policy.
Google’s original plan calls for Android to block the installation of apps from unverified developers starting in 2026. Verification consists of a procedure that the developer performs to validate their identity with Google, so that this information is linked to their applications.
According to the company, this is a security measure that can combat apps that have embedded malware or that try to capture sensitive user data, such as fake antiviruses.
The controversy lies in the fact that the new policy also applies to applications that are distributed by alternative stores in relation to the Google Play Store or that are obtained by the user by downloading .APK files.
It is very common for these apps to be created by small companies or independent developers who do not have or would not like to have any type of link with Google, which includes verification. But, without this, these developers’ applications would be blocked by Android from 2026 onwards.
Not by chance, F-Droid even declared that it could close its operations because of Google’s new rules. This is one of the best-known Android app stores after the Google Play Store.
Google will make developer verification more flexible
But criticism of the approach had its effect. Although it has not given up on the idea, Google has announced a review of its verification policy. The company promises to create an “advanced flow” that will allow the user to install unverified software on Android as long as the person knows and accepts the risks of the procedure.
This new flow is being developed to prevent the user from being convinced by malicious agents to bypass security checks. To this end, the installation of unverified apps will be preceded by “clear warnings” about such risks.
“This will allow you to distribute your creations to a limited number of devices without having to go through all the verification requirements”, emphasizes the company.
Complementarily, Google will create a distribution flow of applications aimed at students or development enthusiasts. “This will allow you to distribute your creations to a limited number of devices without having to go through all the verification requirements”, again explains the company.
The adjustments to the new policy do not yet have a date to be presented. But it shouldn’t take long for this to happen, because Google also announced early access to verification for interested developers through the Android Developer Console, a clear sign that the new policy is about to be implemented.
Source: https://tecnoblog.net/noticias/google-volta-atras-em-decisao-sobre-sideloading-no-android/
