Android isn't killing sideloading, but it's making it a lot harder
Android sideloading remains, but Google introduces stricter "advanced flow" process
Sideloading articles
SmartTube has been compromised, Android TV users need to switch to the new build now
Popular app was flagged after its developer's computer was hit with malware
Android won't kill sideloading after all, but new verification rules will make it harder
Google reworks Android developer verification after backlash from open-source communities
F-Droid says Google's new rules intentionally block free and open-source apps
Sounding off: The war between F-Droid and Google is escalating again. The open-source Android app repository says Mountain View is quietly restructuring the mobile software ecosystem in ways that could marginalize independent distribution and weaken the broader FOSS movement – all while presenting its Play Store rules as consumer "safety" protections.
F-Droid warns crackdown on Android app sideloading could kill open app stores
Google's developer registration decree could end third-party app stores
Android sideloading faces new restrictions as Google blocks unverified developers
All sideloaded apps will need developer ID starting in 2026
Android users will soon be able to pause Google's anti-malware service for sideloading
Play Protect will automatically reactivate after a while
Epic Games will come preinstalled on "millions" of Telefónica Android devices
It beats sideloading, I guess
Epic Games sues Google and Samsung alleging collusion to block Play Store alternatives
"Allowing this coordinated illegal anti-competitive dealing to proceed hurts developers and consumers"
Android apps can now block usage if sideloading is detected
A new API, if leveraged, will force users to use Play Store versions instead
A hot potato: Apple's infamous "walled garden" approach is often cited as an example of limiting consumer freedom, but it seems the Android ecosystem is erecting restrictive fences as well. The most recent development in this direction is Google supercharging its Play Integrity API to give developers more power to block apps installed outside the Play Store.
Google Play Store may soon let you update sideloaded apps
Making a cumbersome process more user friendly
Apple will officially implement sideloading in Europe this spring
More changes indicate Apple wasn't ready for DMA compliance and is making it up as it goes
Apple big App Store changes: third-party stores and cloud gaming now allowed, also full-blown Chrome and Firefox
Alternate app stores and browser engines are EU-only though
iPhones could finally get app sideloading next year, but only in the EU
Unfortunately, the feature will likely be restricted to folks in the EU
Setapp is planning to be the first third-party app store for iOS devices
Store will open once Apple complies with Europe's DMA next year
Android 14 removes some barriers for third-party app stores
Android 14 will let third-party app stores update more easily and safely
Apple prepares to crack open iOS' walled garden in Europe
Apple prepares to comply with Europe's Digital Markets Act, allowing third-party app stores and sideloading
New EU law could force Apple to allow sideloading
New rules for app stores, messaging apps, and advertising
Apple software chief Craig Federighi: Sideloading is a cyber criminal's best friend
Federighi continues to defend Apple's walled garden approach on iOS
Apple says sideloading of iPhone apps would open users to serious security risks
The company thinks the five newly-proposed antitrust bills would disrupt the iPhone
Tim Cook says Android has 47 times more malware than iOS because of sideloading
Sideloading is "not in the best interests of the user," according to the Apple boss
Google warns against sideloading its apps on new Huawei devices
It says the practice is a security risk