Back in late August, Google announced a major change to Android that angered many enthusiasts and independent developers. Starting next year, Android will block users from installing apps made by unverified developers. The announcement spurred backlash from power users who felt that the new restrictions would effectively kill sideloading. Today, Google announced a major concession to appease these users. The company says it is building a new “advanced flow” that will allow “experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn’t verified.”
An easier way to install unverified apps…hopefully
In a blog post, Google says this new advanced flow is intended for developers and power users who “have a higher risk tolerance and want the ability to download unverified apps.” The company says it is “designing this flow specifically to resist coercion” to ensure that “users aren’t tricked into bypassing these safety checks while under pressure from scammer.” The flow will include “clear warnings” to ensure that users “fully understand the risks involved” with installing apps made by unverified developers, but ultimately, it puts the choice to do so in the user’s hands. Google says it is currently gathering early feedback on the design of this feature and will share more details in the coming months.
Although Google hasn’t shared what this new flow will actually look like, it’ll hopefully be easier than using ADB to install apps. Prior to this announcement, the only method we knew would allow you to install apps from unverified developers was to use ADB, which is simple but tedious for experienced users. Tools like Shizuku would have made ADB app installation possible without the use of a PC, but who knows how long such methods would last. Thus, I’m glad that users won’t have to resort to such hacky methods to install the software of their choice.
Source: Google is easing up on Android’s new sideloading restrictions
Robin Edgar
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