In a significant shift, Google is tightening its grip on Android app installations by blocking sideloaded applications, forcing users to obtain apps exclusively through the Google Play Store. This new measure is facilitated by a feature introduced in Google’s Play Integrity API, which has begun to impact users and developers alike.
Historically, Android users could sideload applications—install them manually via APK files—especially when using custom Android versions that do not include Google’s Play Store. This method was commonly used for experimental apps, outdated software, or apps not available through official channels. Until recently, Google tolerated this practice, albeit with cautionary warnings.
However, this status quo is being disrupted by the Play Integrity API’s latest update. Initially showcased at Google’s I/O conference in May, this feature now prompts users to “Get this app from Play” when attempting to sideload certain applications. Users of apps such as Tesco’s British shop, BeyBlade X, and ChatGPT have reported encountering these restrictive prompts. Additionally, an Android gaming handheld user faced a similar issue with Diablo Immortal three months ago.
The Play Integrity API has traditionally been used to restrict access to apps on devices running modified versions of Android that lack full Google Play integration. For instance, a popular two-factor authentication app recently barred access on devices running GrapheneOS, an alternative aimed at enhancing security beyond that of the standard Android system. The API assesses whether a device’s software environment is deemed “trustworthy,” checking for Google Play Protect and other criteria.
GrapheneOS has raised concerns about the reliability of Google’s Integrity API and SafetyNet Attestation systems, suggesting that developers might consider using standard Android hardware attestation instead. Rahman, a key figure in the debate, argues that instead of blocking installations outright, apps could use the API to issue warnings during sensitive operations. The lack of a Play Store connection can hinder developers by depriving them of crucial metrics, increasing the risk of installing apps on incompatible devices (leading to negative reviews), and opening avenues for paid app piracy.
This move underscores Google’s increasing control over the Android ecosystem, impacting how users and developers interact with the platform.
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