Starting in August, installing APKs from unverified developers will require a new procedure called Advanced Flow. It involves enabling developer mode, rebooting the device, and waiting 24 hours with biometric verification.

After that, you choose: allow the APK installation for 7 days or indefinitely. The procedure is a one-time process and applies to all versions of Android.

Will the 24-hour wait stop you from installing APKs outside the store?

  • undefinedTruth@lemmy.zipEnglish
    121·
    3 days ago

    It is still going to affect us indirectly. The problem is that Google is demanding developers to go through KYC even if they are not distributing their app through the Play Store. Not going through with it means nobody with a stock device will be able to install their app, unless they do that crazy workaround Google claims is going to implement.

    This means open source app developers will be called to choose between doxing themselves to Google, or keep developing for us, the 0.01% who is on custom ROMs. It’s not hard to imagine that many will just decide to move on and invest their time on doing something else.

    https://keepandroidopen.org/

      • undefinedTruth@lemmy.zipEnglish
        21·
        1 day ago

        If you are referring to the suggested “advanced flow” this is what I am referring to as “crazy workaround” in my original comment. And in practice that doesn’t mean anything.

        Until Google provides a shipping implementation that can be independently verified, our position remains unchanged: all apps from non-registered developers will be blocked once their lockdown goes into effect in September 2026.

          • undefinedTruth@lemmy.zipEnglish
            21·
            1 day ago

            Yes, you do. Unless you are developing an app just for your friends, or you expect everyone not on a custom ROM to go through the ridiculous “advanced flow”.

            In addition to the advanced flow we’re building free, limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists. This allows you to share apps with a small group (up to 20 devices) without needing to provide a government-issued ID or pay a registration fee. This ensures Android remains an open platform for learning and experimentation while maintaining robust protections for the broader community.

            The above is from the official update by Google.

            • artyom@piefed.socialEnglish
              11·
              1 day ago

              No, you don’t.

              or you expect everyone not on a custom ROM to go through the ridiculous “advanced flow”.

              That is the expectation.

              • undefinedTruth@lemmy.zipEnglish
                11·
                1 day ago

                If you expect regular users to go through with this ridiculous process you are just naive. Anyone who distributes their app through something like F-Droid will either, have to choose between going through with giving Google their ID or lose 85% of their users, if they are lucky.

                • artyom@piefed.socialEnglish
                  11·
                  23 hours ago

                  What I expect is not up for debate. The fact is that your statement is wrong.

                  Anyone who can go through the current process can easily go through this new one.