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Comments on How does Google's Android developer registration affect sideloading and other stores?
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How does Google's Android developer registration affect sideloading and other stores?
Google has announced that
Starting next year, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed by users on certified Android devices.
They claim (emphasis in original)
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. We believe this is how an open system should work—by preserving choice while enhancing security for everyone.
But I don't think I understand. This sounds to me like full application control by the OS manufacturer.
What are the implications for submissions to third-party stores like F-Droid? What about sideloading APKs?
Post
2025-11
If com.google.android.gms, and its dependencies, are installed, some of the more basic application stores, as they are currently implemented, shall cease to operate. That is because com.android.vending/com.google.android.finsky.protectdialogs.activity.PlayProtectDialogsActivity hooks into com.google.android.packageinstaller, and shall [1] prevent the installation of any .APK/.AAB that isn't signed via a key stored in Play App Signing. [2]
This appears to be bypassable via adb shell's /system/bin/pm install. [3] If so, Settings.Global.ADB_WIFI_ENABLED provides a workaround for most clients. [4] [5]
2026-01
Google intends to allow competent users to continue to bypass its new restrictions. [6] However, it shall add additional steps to accomplish this. Ultimately, this renders the change unimportant.
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