Android 14 can block users from sideloading very old apps

guest · Jan 24, 2023

The optional feature could improve security.
By Jon Fingas @jonfingas - January 24, 2023

The next version of Android could bar you from installing ancient apps in some circumstances. 9to5Google has spotted a code change indicating that Android 14 will block users from sideloading apps (that is, installing them outside of the Play Store) that don't target a minimum version of the operating system. It will stop the installation of particularly old software at first, but Google expects to "progressively" raise the bar to require at least Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
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The move is meant to boost security and privacy. Malware writers can't just target old versions of Android to escape security measures in newer releases, Google says. Google already requires that apps in the Play Store target at least Android 12. This update denies attempts to install vintage apps through the web or third-party stores.
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Still, it's notable that Google is limiting sideloading at all.

A block on old apps won't put an end to malware, but it could tighten the platform's overall security.
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