One of the biggest Android stories of last year was Google’s planned major changes to sideloading. It caused a legitimate uproar in the community, leading Google to backtrack a bit. Now, we’re getting our first look at what these new restrictions will look like.
Google announced a new developer identity verification program last August, and it was met with immediate blowback. A few months later, in November, the company shared new details for a comprised solution. The plan included something Google called an “advanced flow” for “experienced” users. The Android Developers blog reveals the details of this process.
- First, you’ll have to enable Developer Mode to turn off the security that restricts sideloading. This added friction will prevent accidental triggers.
- Here’s where the new “advanced flow” kicks in. A menu will ask if someone has instructed you to turn off the security. Google says this is to help non-power users avoid being scammed.
- Next, you’ll be required to restart your phone, which will cut off anything nefarious running in the background.
- Once your phone has rebooted, the biggest change presents itself: a 24-hour waiting period. Once the time has passed, you can return and continue the process.
- Lastly, you have the option to allow the sideloading of unverified apps temporarily (turns off again after 7 days) or indefinitely.
- The installation dialog will still warn you that the app is from an unverified developer, but you’re free to tap “Install Anyway.”
This new advanced flow will begin rolling out in August for all versions of Android. It will come via Google Play Services, not a system update. This is also when the special accounts for students and hobbyists will be available. These accounts don’t have to pay the new $25 registration fee or prove their identity, but they can only share apps with up to 20 devices.
Now, on the developer side of things, Google is still going ahead with the developer identity verification program in September. Developers who don’t have the limited accounts will need to provide identification to prove who they are and pay the registration fee.
As always, Google insists that all of this will benefit Android security. Developers, including those from F-Droid, adamantly disagree—going so far as to accuse the company of lying. Sideloading will still be possible for consumers, but developers are feeling the squeeze.
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