Google has backtracked partially on its anti-third party app store policy. It will allow power users to install Android apps from alternative sources.
The Mountain View company had recently announced a system for Developer Verification, that requires Android app developers who distribute their apps outside the Play Store to verify their identity by registering with Google. While it claimed this would protect users from malware apps, the policy was met with widespread criticism from the Android community. F-Droid had warned that this move could kill the openness of Android's ecosystem, bringing it totally under Google's control. And there's also the fact that the Play Store has been prone to malware apps.
After hearing the feedback from users and developers, Google has updated its policy, to announce that it will allow experienced users to install apps from third-party sources. The updated statement mentions that it is "building a new advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn't verified." This flow is designed to resist coercion, and to prevent users from bypassing safety checks while under pressure from a scammer. It will also involve clear warnings that explain the risks involved.
This sounds similar to the system that Xiaomi has on its phones in HyperOS, and formerly on MIUI. When you try to install an APK downloaded from the internet, it displays a warning screen that tells you about the security risks, and makes you wait for about 10 seconds, before letting you accept the risks and install the app.
Here's a screenshot of it from MIUI 14. It's a bit annoying, but at least it doesn't block the installation.
While this is good news for power users, chances are Google could come back with a different plan in the future. But there is something else that may allow more freedom for Android users.
A couple of weeks ago, Epic and Google revealed that they are working on a settlement in their 5-year-long lawsuit. Google had lost the antitrust case which began in 2020, after a court deemed it guilty of building an illegal monopoly on Android, specifically by not allowing third party payment options and app distribution through the Google Play Store. However, the case has dragged on because of a ruling that opened up the Play Store to allow third party payment methods, and also host alternate app marketplaces for three years. These rules were only applicable in the U.S., not worldwide.
Google had appealed against the changes, but failed to win the appeal, and was forced to make changes to its Play Store policies to comply with the law. Now, Google and Epic have reached an agreement where Google has offered to lower the Play Store service fee from 30% to 9% or 20% based on the transaction, which could mean lower prices for users. Google will also allow alternative marketplaces on the Play Store. These changes are applicable around the world, until June 2032. The Verge reported that the proposed settlement needs to be approved by U.S. District Court Judge, James Donato.
The result of this settlement may have a big impact on app distribution by keeping Android as an open ecosystem, as does Google's updated policy.
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