A recent update to Google Play introduces a feature that allows app developers to block sideloaded app installations, pushing users to install apps exclusively through the Google Play Store. This new tool, called the “Play Integrity API,” aims to enhance the security of Android apps while giving developers greater control over their products.
The Play Integrity API checks for signs that an app may have been tampered with or is operating in an “untrustworthy” environment, ensuring that Google Play Protect, a built-in security feature, is activated. An essential part of this API is its ability to detect whether an app was installed in an “unlicensed” manner, which essentially means it wasn’t obtained from the official Google Play Store.
Often, apps that aren’t downloaded from Google Play are sideloaded via third-party APK stores or other alternative methods. Sideloading is a widely used method among users of streaming devices like Amazon Firestick and Android TV, allowing them to install apps outside of the official store.
With this new implementation, app developers can now see exactly how their app was installed, and in cases of sideloading, they can prompt users to reinstall the app from the Play Store. The API includes an option to display a prompt with an “Install from Play” button, which removes the sideloaded version and forces the user to download the app through the official store.
Several developers have already embraced this feature, such as Tesco and BeyBlade X. Moreover, developer linuxct has created an open-source app to test the effectiveness of Google Play Integrity Remediation. Interestingly, users have also observed that the official ChatGPT app has incorporated this setting, blocking sideloaded installations.
While sideloading has been a cornerstone of Android’s open environment, giving users the freedom to install apps from various sources, this new development may signal a shift in app distribution practices. With the Play Integrity API now in place, app developers have the power to enforce stricter installation protocols, which may impact the freedom that many users, especially cord-cutters, have come to expect.
How to fix TVIP remote control problem?
This move raises important questions about how this will affect the future of app installation on Android, especially with regards to other official app stores possibly adopting similar policies.
As the landscape evolves, keeping track of these changes is crucial. To stay informed about the latest in streaming news and tips, sign up for the TROYPOINT Advisor, a weekly resource providing expert advice to help you maximize your streaming experience. Join the growing community of over 800,000 subscribers!
Google Play New feature for Developers