Google is making changes to the process of sideloading Android apps, adding an extra step for users downloading apps from third-party sources like APKMirror. These changes aim to enhance security and user experience.
Sideloading an Android app enables users to download and install apps not available on the Google Play Store due to various reasons like regional restrictions or policy limitations. This process typically involves enabling developer settings to allow installations from third-party sources, increasing user control over device security.
Google introduced the Android App Bundle (AAB) at Google I/O 2018 to reduce app size and improve efficiency. AAB allows developers to create app bundles containing files optimized for different screen sizes, languages, CPU architectures, and Android versions. This streamlines downloads, ensuring users only obtain the necessary components for their devices.
Google has ceased generating full-size APKs for several apps, shifting to bundles as the only available option. This implies an additional step for users interested in sideloading third-party apps.
Source: Artem Russakovskii
To install bundled apps, users may require tools like APKMirror Installer or Split APKs Installer (SAI) from the Google Play Store. While this extra step is manageable, it slightly complicates the sideloading process.
Users who download apps exclusively from Google Play will not be affected by these changes. Developers hosting third-party apps can still offer full-size APKs, maintaining flexibility in app distribution.
