Apk side installing

[lance78]

I've been seeing videos, i don't know to believe or not. Samsung and Google are going stop us all from installing apk files 

Does any one know the truth 

[Star_girl]

I think Samsung already is preventing installing APK files on the latest phones, from S24 or S25 series there have been reports users can't install APK on them.

[lance78]

I've seen it's going to be on all Samsung devices, in the next year or so. I do use an APK and ask the developer if he can release it on Google Play Store

[arianwen27]

It's a little complicated so lemme try to explain.

It will be enabled for us some time in 2027.

Basically, right now anyone can make an apk file, any phone will install it. Google want an identity attached to every apk file. Ones without an identity will be blocked.

So for normal users there's 2 options.

1, Someone on say github makes an app, they pay google £25, give google their ID, sign their apk file with their account, everyone can install it. Google don't check what the apk is, I don't think there's rules like the play store.

2, someone makes an app on github, they don't care about google and don't sign it. For a user to install it, you need to make a *free* developer account with google, give them some info, not an ID. Then sign the apk yourself. Now you can install it to your own device.

If a developer keeps signing apps that are reported as malware, google can block that developer and all their bad apk files.

That's my interpretation of what google is planning on doing

[lance78]

Thank you

[JAMES4578]

Yes @arianwen27 is correct,Google will require additional verification and they will block APK files not in their centralised Database from 2027. The change is said to be an effort to cut down on malware and fraud. However there will be a seperate simplified system for students and hobby Developers so some seems some way round it.

[MNas04]

It doesn't really bother me. Since i dont install any apk files on my phone. As i prefer sticking to the official app stores. There may be chances that people might switch to phones that are no longer supported in order to avoid the blocking of apk.

[Obsydian]

Most people search for APK because manufacturers are slow or greedy to provide their devices with the apps, others yes jail break type APKs that say they bypass paid subs but are just trojan malware.

People will always find a way round this, if a developer can design it another can back door it.

For me manufacturers are to blame with basically planned obsolescence, that opens the FoMo door for users to look elsewhere.

[Moiramon]

At the moment you can still side load apk files but you have to turn off auto blocker in the settings. The phone will still come up with a warning message and check the APK before install.

[lance78]

I've been using the APK since my a12 around 3 and a half years ago without any problems