Google cracks down! APKs, ROMs, and Emulators banned — is Android freedom over?
m.economictimes.com
Google is implementing a significant policy shift, banning unverified APKs, ROMs, and certain emulators on certified Android devices starting in 2026. This move, aimed at enhancing security and combating malware, will restrict app distribution to verified developers. Critics argue this move curtails Android's famed openness, potentially impacting custom ROMs and retro gaming enthusiasts.

If I am already using a rooted but proprietary smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S23), downloading my apps from other sources than Google Play, how would Google be able to control what I do with it? If necessary, I could just stay on my current OS build as well. All in all, while politically and philosophically, Google’s new policy is bad, I don’t feel threatened by it with my current understand of the situation and technology…

  • INeedMana@piefed.zipEnglish
    21·
    30 days ago

    They reversed course, so it’s not an immediate issue.

    I’m not convinced yet

    Some article as I can’t find my Xitter password to see the source

    designed an “advanced flow” for installing unverified apps. This new system is specifically intended for developers and power users who have a higher risk tolerance and want the ability to download unverified apps.

    It is not a casual toggle. The advanced flow is built to resist exploitation. The company emphasizes that the flow is designed to resist coercion, ensuring users aren’t tricked into bypassing safety checks under pressure from scammers. Social engineering often walks victims through dismissing every warning on screen, so Google is adding friction that fights back.

    That can very well mean we’ll be compiling everything by hand and sending it via USB app by app

    • circuscritic@lemmy.ca
      8·
      30 days ago

      I don’t necessarily disagree, but the fact they walked back the original policy because it was so unpopular leads me to believe they are trying to save face by implementing a PITA way of enabling unknown sources, such as through ADB.

      The reason why I suspect that is because even with the original policy change, they were still going to allow unsigned apps to be installed via ADB.

      But I guess we’ll just have to wait and find out.

      • INeedMana@piefed.zipEnglish
        41·
        30 days ago

        I think they got afraid such strict policy would put wind in the sails of Linux Phone initiatives

        But I might be jaded

        • ScoffingLizard@lemmy.dbzer0.com
          2·
          3 days ago

          I think you’re more overly optimistic regarding the amount of concern and knowledge of the general public. I have never met a single person that cares about privacy and alternative phone issues, and I’ve been complaining nonstop.

          • INeedMana@piefed.zipEnglish
            2·
            2 days ago

            But the opposite would mean some point did make them go about their sense. And for me that is even more unrealistically optimistic

            Hence “I might be jaded”

      • bl4kers@lemmy.mlEnglish
        2·
        29 days ago

        I’d argue it’s already a small minority of users. Any change is very likely to be negative

    • WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      4·
      29 days ago

      That can very well mean we’ll be compiling everything by hand and sending it via USB app by app

      I think USB/ADB installation would have been allowed in their plans even before they reversed course