Google confirms ‘high-friction’ sideloading flow is coming to Android

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This prompt will show up on Android 8.0 and later. You must give individual apps the ability to install apps in newer versions of Android.
TL;DR

  • Google says Android is getting a “high-friction” sideloading flow.
  • The company insists it’s about user awareness, not blocking installs.
  • The big question is whether this added friction will stay educational or quietly make sideloading on Android harder.

Google has responded to our recent report on new Google Play strings hinting at changes to how Android will handle sideloaded apps in the future. The company has now confirmed that a “high-friction” install process is on the way.

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