Despite Android's open nature being a key aspect of its appeal, Google has always wanted users to stay within the somewhat safe confines of the Play Store. Following strings of code being uncovered indicating the tech giant has plans to change how Android sideloading is handled, Google recently confirmed that a "high-friction" install process is coming (via Android Authority).

In a response to an Android Authority story on X, Matthew Forsyth, Director of Product Management and Google Play Experience and Chief Product Explainer, said that this upcoming system doesn't aim to restrict sideloading and is instead an "accountability layer" that still allows users to install apps "without verifying." From Google's perspective, the goal is to help Android device users better understand the potential risks that can come from sideloading apps.

While it's still unconfirmed, the warning notification will likely be something along the lines of, "If you install without verifying, keep in mind apps from unverified developers may put your device and data at risk," according to the string of code that was recently uncovered.

Sideloading isn't going anywhere

You'll likely just need to deal with a few extra notifications

At least right now, this isn't really Google making sideloading Android apps notably more difficult, though a few extra steps and a couple of warning messages, could discourage at least some less informed users from leaving the confines of the Play Store. It also plays into the narrative that Google doesn't want users installing apps outside the Play Store because the tech giant is unable to take a revenue cut from them.

clear warnings

Back in August, Google announced plans to block users from installing apps created by unverified developers, shifting its policy to require developer verification to install apps. However, following widespread backlash, the tech giant reversed this move and implemented a new "advanced flow" with additional safety checks designed for power users and developers that "have a higher risk tolerance and want the ability to download unverified apps."

Google implementing this new "high friction" system seems to be an evolution of its original move to block unverified developers. In November, Google described this change to sideloading as offering "clear warnings," while still leaving control in the hands of users.

While a few extra notifications are undoubtedly annoying, this can also be viewed as a positive move by Google's given the Android ecosystem has been targeted by sideloading-related scams in the past.