APK downloads stop on ONE UI 8?

[yodano]

Hi, I've heard some rumours that upgrading to One UI 8 stops me from downloading APKs from web browsers. Is this true? Thank you

[yodano]

Hi yall, I've heard a rumour that upgrading to One Ui 8 now doesn't let us download APKs from web browsers. Is this true? Thank you

[Tourbillon De La Vie]

No. At some point, not yet, it will not allow install of any unsigned apks

[yodano]

Wait so we won't be able to download apks rn on one ui 8 or will we? Im confused.

[arianwen27]

Basically, in 2027 google is pushing an update to make it so apk files are being limited. Basically, for you to install an apk file, google needs to know who the creator is. The creator would use a website, send it to google along with who they are, then google sends it back (after maybe a minute or two). Idea is it stops people impersonating apps and helps track criminals making malware. Since every apk has an identity linked to it.

If an apk creator doesn't do this, you would need to sign the apk file yourself, which would only work for your devices.

Using adb to install an apk file will always work regardless of this new system

[yodano]

Is that for pixel os only or for one ui 8 aswell?

[arianwen27]

For every android device starting some time 2027. So over a year from now, not one ui 8.

It will also apply regardless of software version

[yodano]

So should I not update to one ui 8 then?

[arianwen27 · Accepted solution]

I'll try to be more clear. The new changes apply in 2027, it's currently 2025. So they will become a thing around 2 years from now.

The change is a google change, not a samsung change. It will apply to every phone regardless of software version. It has no relation to one ui 8.

When it does happen, at most it means you need to use a website to make apk files installable on your phone

[yodano]

Ohhh now I understand thank you so much. Solution for you 👏