Google Calls Android's New Sideloading Flow 'High Friction'
Android’s new sideloading flow adds deliberate friction to protect users from unverified apps—here’s what it means for power users and everyday securi
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Google Calls Android's New Sideloading Flow 'High Friction'
Android Sideloading Gets “High Friction” Safety Overhaul Google is rolling out a major update to how Android handles sideloaded apps—and it’s intentionally making the process harder. If you’ve ever installed an APK from outside the Play Store, you’ll soon face a new “high friction” flow designed to warn you about potential risks. This shift isn’t just about blocking installs; it’s about adding accountability without fully locking down user freedom. But what exactly does this mean for everyday users, developers, and tech-savvy Android enthusiasts? And why is Google calling its own design “high friction”? Credit: Google Why Google Is Rethinking Android Sideloading Sideloading—installing apps from sources other than official app stores—has long been one of Android’s defining features. Unlike iOS, which tightly restricts app installations, Android has historically given users more control. But that openness comes with risks: malware, data theft, and poorly coded apps can slip through when the…
