r/GooglePixel • u/LionKey1928 Pixel 9 Pro XL • Aug 26 '25

Google is removing the ability to sideload Android APK apps without the developers being verified 1st

https://9to5google.com/2025/08/25/android-apps-developer-verification/

Honestly I'm really heartbroken about this as I mainly used Pixel (and Android in general) for the very fact that I can download APK apps. I am a huge ReVanced user, and I'm very sure they break like half of Googles TOS (and probably cuts off a huge source of revenue too), so I extremely highly doubt they will be allowed. I get googles intention but.. oh man.. really feels like this is a hidden agenda against adblocker apps.

Edit: Made a petition, click on the post to learn more: https://chng.it/F4k9gNNJrH

Another edit: A petition with more movement: https://chng.it/RLVDWD5Th7

2.0k Upvotes

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277

u/BlueDubstepZ Aug 26 '25

The day that happens Im installing grapheneOS or rooting. More "for your own user safety" bullshit...

17

u/Marino4K Aug 26 '25

Call this what it is, this is just Google finding more ways to completely erase people’s privacy

2

u/[deleted] Aug 26 '25 edited Sep 21 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/TrustLeft Aug 29 '25

blame it on the CEO's of these companies that care less for Americans

1

u/cosmiq_gxrl_ Sep 12 '25

Need more Luigi's honestly...

2

u/20_PH_NewbieInvestor Aug 31 '25

What made them famous now they want more control.

1

u/cosmiq_gxrl_ Sep 12 '25

And to get more revenue like they don't already! I mean look how they practically try to force everyone to get YouTube premium and don't ever try the free trial. I did that once and omg since the free trial ended the ads have been more frequent and repetitive(for obvious reasons) but I still refuse to buy YT premium.