Android 14 Users Alerted When Installing Apps Outside of Play Store

The upcoming release of Android 14 is currently in the beta channel and is expected to be available to the public in the near future. As we explore the new Android version, we are gaining insight into its promised features, including an enhancement related to the convenient sideloading of apps. This particular feature has long been regarded as one of the major advantages of using an Android device.

Google will display a warning to users who download apps from various app stores, but the comforting aspect of this change is that Android doesn’t completely prevent you from using these third-party apps on your phone. It’s just a warning that users can ignore, according to reports this week.

Google has talked about increasing the credibility of apps downloaded from the site, which means it wants to track where apps are installed and also whether it’s safe to install a particular app on your phone. So in Android 14, the user will see a warning which adds friction before you decide to download the app from the page. Google reiterates the risks of sideloading apps, and basically installs apps from any app store other than its own Play Store.

Google understands the threat of apps from unknown sources leaving the user and their device vulnerable. With Android 14, Google is trying to control this interoperability, which is unlikely to please open source advocates.

The company’s radical changes come at a time when Apple may have to allow sideloading of apps on iOS. The new EU rules may lead the iPhone manufacturer to support other app stores, which not only puts iPhones at risk but also creates a dangerous situation for the entire platform.

The Android 14 beta is approaching its full release, which should happen in the coming months, probably when the new Pixel 8 series is released, expected in October this year.