Ars Technica

Android apps are blocking sideloading and forcing Google Play versions instead

You might sideload an Android app, or manually install its APK package, if you’re using a custom version of Android that doesn’t include Google’s Play Store ...
9to5google

Android apps can now force Google Play download, effectively blocking sideloading

An updated API available to Android app developers can force users to download the app from Google Play, blocking the app from working if it is sideloaded. First announced at Google I/O 2024, the ...
Android Police

Google Play wants to make sure you 'Download apps, not traps'

Karandeep Singh Oberoi is a Durham College Journalism and Mass Media graduate who joined the Android Police team in April 2024, after serving as a full-time News Writer at Canadian publication ...
Android Authority

Google wants to make sideloading Android apps safer by verifying developers’ identities

Google will soon verify the identities of developers who distribute Android apps outside the Play Store. Developers must submit their information to a new Android Developer Console, increasing their ...