this post was submitted on 01 May 2026
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I'm not happy with the change, but let's at least get the facts straight, so we can argue our position better. Their original plan included a way to install apps from unknown sources, but it did not describe how that would work.
Of course it did.
For two reasons.
First - if anyone complains they can always say there exists a bypass, no matter how idiotically unworkable and annoying the process might be.
Another aspect is that devs will probably want to test their apps easily and quickly - App stores are notorious for updates taking a few days to be approved. Even for Google, full-on lockdown might seem overkill. They don't want to bother with speeding up their update approval process so devs can push test builds through the Ecosystem. Giving some route towards sideloading is a much saner solution.
I'm honestly neutral with the change, it makes setting up a new phone a little more annoying, it will just be another step in the process and doesn't stop me from doing anything. However the small barrier will stop scammers pressuring people into installing things. It doesn't make it impossible, but will get rid of a lot of the low hanging fruit.
When would a scammer make you download an app? They could just as (more) easily make you visit a website...
It's wrong to think this will stop scammers or malware.
And where you drew the line? These things tend to move in one direction. so giving an inch may as well be giving a mile.