this post was submitted on 19 Mar 2026
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415
Google gives Android users a way to install unverified apps if they worked hard for it(including waiting 24 hours) (android-developers.googleblog.com)
submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) by Beep@lemmus.org to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[–] Ganbat@lemmy.dbzer0.com 71 points 2 days ago (1 children)

In addition to the advanced flow we’re building free, limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists. This allows you to share apps with a small group (up to 20 devices) without needing to provide a government-issued ID or pay a registration fee.

Fuck you sideways, Google.

[–] cyberpunk007@lemmy.ca 8 points 2 days ago (1 children)

What? ID?

[–] MrScottyTay@sh.itjust.works 9 points 2 days ago (1 children)

They want developers to share their IDs to have their apps on the play store. The limited groups is so hobbyist developers can still share apps without having to jump through those hoops and so the users don't need to go and enable sideloading, with the caveat that there's a call on how many users you can send it to it looks like.

[–] dev_null@lemmy.ml 8 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

That's already the case. The new thing is that they want developers to share their ID to have their apps be installable on Android in the first place, even if they don't use the Play Store.

[–] Arcadeep@lemmy.world 6 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I wonder if this is a direct result of apps like ICE watch or ones that track billionaire planes and stuff

[–] iSeth@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Google did just say they're "...leaning more into military contracts..." or something...

[–] MrScottyTay@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

But the sideloading flow via dev options that they have revealed doesn't require that and it's easy to do...

[–] dev_null@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

From what angle is it easy to do?

  • Enable developer mode (using a hidden process where you have to know where to find it)
  • Go through a scary form
  • Restart the device
  • Wait 24 hours?!
  • Go to the settings again
  • Do some more scary confirmations
  • Check another scary checkbox
  • And then... confirm again every single time you install an app

And you are telling me it's easy to do? I can go publish a diet tracking app and Aunt Flo will happily go through this and I won't lose customers?

[–] MrScottyTay@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I feel like if someone knows what an .apk is and where to download them, they'll also know how to search for how to install them

[–] dev_null@lemmy.ml 1 points 18 hours ago* (last edited 18 hours ago) (1 children)

Yeah, and currently you don't need to know what an apk is to install them.

[–] MrScottyTay@sh.itjust.works 1 points 12 hours ago

Then you're just installing from the play store are you not? If you want to use f-droid or something else you initially have to start with getting their .apk do you not? Or am I mistaken and misremembering?