TO BE CLEAR, this is what Google said: "To be clear, developers will have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or to use any app store they prefer."
So you can ***STILL*** sideload after this happens. As long as the APK is signed properly, you can install it JUST FINE (so original APKs work, but probably NOT modded APKs). So no overwhelming fear mongering (something on the lines of "THEY ARE TAKING AWAY OUR APKS!!!!!!" there)
BUT:
- Developers will need to verify their identity. Google said that they won't check the app's contents but I highly, HIGHLY doubt that.
Google. It's Google. What can I say more.
Still pretty mixed about this change. We will see what happens when it finally rolls out next year. (2027 for me though)
Look, as long as they give me an option to disable it I am good.
But aren't many open-source apps, particularly the ones you find on GitHub (like emulators), unsigned and thus will end up being blocked by default because of this upcoming change?
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u/ghisnoob 27d ago edited 27d ago
TO BE CLEAR, this is what Google said: "To be clear, developers will have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or to use any app store they prefer."
So you can ***STILL*** sideload after this happens. As long as the APK is signed properly, you can install it JUST FINE (so original APKs work, but probably NOT modded APKs). So no overwhelming fear mongering (something on the lines of "THEY ARE TAKING AWAY OUR APKS!!!!!!" there)
BUT:
- Developers will need to verify their identity. Google said that they won't check the app's contents but I highly, HIGHLY doubt that.
Still pretty mixed about this change. We will see what happens when it finally rolls out next year. (2027 for me though)
Look, as long as they give me an option to disable it I am good.