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Google claims the move will make Android safer.
Sideloading from unverified developers will involve a five-step process.
There will also be a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period.
For years, one of the clearest differences between Android and iOS has revolved around who has ultimate control over the hardware. Apple has always maintained that a closed ecosystem is the only way to keep users safe. Coincidentally, that closed ecosystem has also been good for Apple's bottom line because it's easy to grab a chunk of most digital sales on the platform. Buy a movie or pay for an app subscription, and Apple gets a commission of between 15% to 30%.
Google chose a different approach. Yes, Google has the Play Store, and yes, Google gets commission from app subscriptions and in-software add-ons. And while, for most users, the Google Play Store is where they get their apps, there are alternatives. And one of those alternatives is sideloading, the ability to install apps from unverified developers, bypassing Google's Play Store.
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But Google is planning to make some big changes to sideloading, all in the name of security.
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