0xedbGoogle details new 24-hour process to sideload unverified Android apps
https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2026/03/android-de...
The part in the flow where you select between allowing app installs for 7 days or forever is a glimpse into the future. That toggle shows the thought process that's going on at Google.
I can bet that a few versions down the line, the "Not recommended" option of allowing installs indefinitely will become so not recommended that they'll remove it outright. Then shrink the 7 day window to 3 days or less. Or only give users one allowed attempt at installing an app, after which it's another 24 hour waiting period for you. Then ask the user to verify themselves as a developer if they want to install whatever they want. Whatever helps them turn people away from alternatives and shrink the odds of someone dislodging their monopoly, they will do. Anything to drive people to Google Play only.
'Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.' - Benjamin Franklin
'essential' means can't be bothered to wait 24 hours (once)?
I have to completely concur that it's probably one step toward an increasingly restrictive final state. Add a few "Are you sure?? You'll brick your phone!!!" warnings, then ID and age-verification mandatory (think of the children!!)
Maybe it's not good idea for our entire civilization to use only two mobile operating systems controlled by companies that only want to make money.
Labeling the phones essential infrastructure can pretty easily backfire if your goal is to be able to modify the phone as you like.
For an example think about how mods are treated on cars. There can be very good reasons for those restrictions, but if your goal is to be able to modify phones in the way you want, that might not be the best way to go about it.
In short, be careful what you wish for because sometimes you get it. :)