One of the things that Android uses most and that we defend with Cape and Sword, is the freedom that this platform has always given us. In Android almost everything is customizablerequiring greater or lesser knowledge based on what you want to modify. However, one of its bad elements is that We have always allowed us to install applications from anywhereJust be necessary to make the “Sideload”.
With this feature, users have been able to do things such as trying applications that are not yet available in our region, Install apps that are not found in the Play Store (And what we need), try the updates soon and much more.
However, it seems that the party will end up to users very soon. In order to improve the safety of its platform, a new measure of Google could block the installation of many apk. Is this the end of Android freedom? We tell you what we know.
APK must be signed by the developers known by Google in order to be able to settle in Android
Right now that they forced Google and Apple to allow payments from the outside of the official App stores on Android and iOS, the Mountain View company decides to make a movement, less curious.
Through yours Development blogGoogle reported it All app developers must verify their identity With the company so that your apps can be installed on Android devices. In case of not doing it, there will be no way for the appNot even through an apk.
The decision will apply to everyone in the same way, regardless of whether the app will be published in the Play Store. This measure will enter In force starting from September 2026 In Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Already by 2027 it is expected that the area will be globaL, although we warn you that the first tests will begin in October this year (2025).
What is this measure? According to Google, it is taken from Security reasonsSince the apps installed outside the Play Store are Up to 50 times more likely to have a harmful code of those who are installed by the official store. It is no excuse, but one with enough weight because it tends to be a reality. However, there are nuances.
While there are also many harmful apps There are apps developed by the community that are not available at the Play Store And they are extremely useful. And we don’t just talk about customization tools, there are also games, streaming apps and almost whatever you can think. Many of the APK of these applications are not signed by a developer Approved by Google and will be influenced by this measure.
And yes, you might think that it will be enough for the developer to identify in front of Google so that these apps work again. However, There will be many who will not want to do it and keep their anonymity For several reasons, which could lead to the disappearance of many applications.
Also, it is quite evident Google what you really want is to keep control a little more That they are taking away: if they cannot control the way the applications are distributed, they will check their creators. This is exactly what Apple decided to do when the EU forced them to do the same, once they lost the judgment against the epic games.
This is not Google’s first measure against the lateral load of Android applications, there have been others
Now, there is no need to talk about a small thing before leaving this article: even if we can still install Android applications through an apk, this decision is not the first that Google takes Back some barriers to the side load.
Example of this is Google Play Protect Certificationwhich does not allow the execution of some applications in non -certified devices (such as banking apps, Google). Another example is the API of integrity, which allows developers to block the lateral load of their apps, allowing only their installation from the Play Store.
Together with this, for some versions of Android The installation of old apk was limited. Some cannot be installed because they are too old and incompatible with the current (understandable) system bees, while others require to authorize their installation with your biometric data (footprint).
And if not everything above, “Advanced Protection” arrived in Android 16a feature that Block the installation of apk packages If enabled. Come on, that the APK signed by the developers previously identified by Google is only an additional measure that adds to others that are already working.
