It is noteworthy that the updating of apps that were downloaded from sources other than the Google Play Store has never been an easy feat for the Android users. However, there is evidence that Google is developing a way to resolve this by making sideloaded app updates possible through the Play Store. This potential change can dramatically improve user experience through simplifying the update process of the apps obtained from the third-party stores.
Why This Matters
Currently, it is not possible to use Google Play Store to automatically update those apps that were side loaded or obtained from other sources. Updates often have to be downloaded and installed by the user from the internet which can take a lot of time. This limitation makes users install the app from other sources such as APKMirror, Aptoide among others, which are not as safe or as reliable as Play store.
Discoveries And Indications
This new functionality was found by Android Authority while disassembling APK for version 42 of the Play Store. 0. 18. In the disassembling of this topic, an indication of a new possibility labeled ‘Update from Play’ was found, hinting to the reader that the user may be able to update the sideloaded apps from the Play Store in the near future.
APK analysis is a process that includes reverse-engineering and studying the contents of the application package file APK for concealed or currently under development functions. Although some of these options do not necessarily suggest to be integrated into the final products, the discovery of it means Google is considering it as a possibility to be integrated into the final product.
Potential Benefits
The ability to update sideloaded apps via the Play Store could resolve several issues:
- Streamlined Updates: Users would no longer need to manually track and download updates for apps installed from third-party sources. This change would greatly just make the process easier and much less likely to have bugs in all honesty.
- Enhanced Security: Unfortunately, it also means that the process of updating the apps directly from the Play Store is optimized only for users: through this method, a user could benefit from Google and its security measures that check the update and remove the malware that might be hidden in it.
- Improved User Experience: The inclusion of this feature could enhance the ease of using app on Android devices eliminating the dilemma of shifting from one app store to the other.
Current Challenges
Sideloading apps, particularly modified versions, often leads to complications with updates. These apps may appear in the Play Store’s update section, but attempts to update them can result in errors due to package name conflicts or modifications. This issue highlights the importance of a centralized and reliable update system.
Recent Developments
The introduction of Android 14 brought a new feature. Consequently, this feature allows an app store to claim update ownership for apps downloaded from it. This feature aimed to prevent users from accidentally installing incorrect app versions from different stores by providing a confirmation pop-up. The pop-up alerts users that updating from a different source may alter the app’s functionality. However, this change also meant that users could not assign the Play Store update ownership for sideloaded apps.
What to Expect
The feature’s inclusion in the final public release is uncertain. However, Android Authority suggests it may be implemented soon. This change could occur through a server-side update. Google could enable the feature without requiring a new app version. This would make the feature available to users more quickly
Conclusion
Google Play Store may soon support updating sideloaded apps, streamlining the process and enhancing security. This potential change could resolve issues with manual updates, package name conflicts, and modified app versions. While it’s uncertain if this feature will be included in the final release, a server-side update could enable it soon. I think this is a great move by Google, making the Android experience more seamless and secure. A centralized and reliable update system is essential. This feature could reduce the need for alternative app stores. It’s crucial to consider the implications of this change on app developers. Users who rely on modified app versions are also affected.
What do you think about this potential change? Would you use this feature if it becomes available? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss!
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