What’s happened? In a bid to protect users from malware-laden apps, Google announced that Android will block the installation of apps from unverified developers starting next year. Once this goes into effect, users will only be able to install such apps via ADB, making sideloading more cumbersome. Fortunately, for developers and power users, the company has now announced that it’s working on an “advanced flow” that will allow users to opt in to install unverified apps.
- In a blog post, Google notes that this advanced flow will include clear warnings that will highlight the potential risk of installing apps from unverified developers.
- For students and hobbyists, the company plans to introduce a new account type that will allow them to distribute their apps to a limited number of devices without undergoing the verification process.
Why is this important? This announcement shows that Google is listening to user feedback and isn’t looking to block sideloading on Android entirely, but rather offer a safer, more convenient option for power users.
- With the new “advanced flow,” power users will get a simpler alternative to ADB for installing apps from unverified developers.
- Additionally, the new account type will allow students and hobbyist developers to distribute their apps to a limited audience without meeting Google’s strict developer verification requirements.
Why should I care? If you’re an Android power user who often installs apps from unverified developers, you’ll soon have an easier route for sideloading apps that will also warn you of the associated risks.
- For the average user, this change means that if bad actors try to trick you into installing a suspicious app, the advanced flow will make it obvious that you shouldn’t proceed.
- And if you build apps to learn or just for fun, the new account type will let you share them with friends and family without going through the entire developer verification process.
What’s next? Google says it’s currently gathering early feedback on the “advanced flow” design and will share more details in the coming months. The company hasn’t shared a release timeline for this feature or the new account type at the moment.
- Google has confirmed that developers who distribute apps exclusively outside the Play Store are now being invited to join the early access program for verification. The company plans to extend invites to Play Store developers starting November 25.
- This timeline should give developers ample time to complete the verification process before Android’s new restrictions take effect next year.
