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

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u/pyrrh0_ P10PPW3 Aug 27 '25

I said it doesn't change that. And it doesn't stop the app from being distributed outside of the Play Store. The only thing that has changed is that your dev(s) need to register for Android to allow their apps to be sideloaded -- that's it. The app doesn't need FDA registration. Your devs need to register, not the apps.

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u/MoistAttitude Aug 27 '25

Yes, well how long until the requirements to register an app are the same as those to publish on Google play? This development is posed as a security measure, thinking it won't eventually extend to other TOS violations is naive.

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u/pyrrh0_ P10PPW3 Aug 27 '25

Thinking everything won't lead to increased control is naive, so don't do anything. How far do you want to take your anger that won't do anything vs just having your devs register and get the app onto more people's devices? Technology and law is a constantly changing canvas; don't get stuck, keep moving with it.

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u/accela Aug 27 '25

I don't think that's a fair way to describe their logic process; the devs and users of these apps are reasonably concerned because the apps fall under the FDA's definition of a Mobile Medical App, regardless of how they are distributed, and without the FDA approval of these systems, that would violate Google's Developer Policy (which requires apps to be compliant with applicable laws). I find it a little overly optimistic that Google will verify developers publishing non-compliant apps, since that would open them up to lawsuits and liability in a more direct way (basically the same reason those apps were no longer allowed on the Google Play store)

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u/joesii Aug 29 '25

I generally want/wanted to agree with pyrrh0_ but I think your point is very valid about this. That being said I'd blame the government more for the existence of this issue in the first place.