With Android 14, Google wants to significantly increase the minimum requirements for new apps in the Google Play Store. External downloads are also to be restricted more severely.
The minimum requirements for apps in the Google Play Store are increased. (Source: Google)
- Android 14 increases the minimum requirements for new apps.
- New apps must now be developed at least on the basis of Android 12.
- In addition, the external installation of old apps should be blocked.
Google has recently started tightening the guidelines for app developers. In the past, these have already ensured that apps are regularly updated and checked for security gaps. However, the minimum requirements for new apps have now been set to Android 12, as older versions are said to be too susceptible to malware.
Android 14 also blocks APK files
Until now, however, these restrictions and security requirements only applied to downloads via the Google Play Store. Developers can currently make apps available via APK downloads and don’t have to deal with Google’s guidelines. The so-called “sideloading” also offers a lot of space for malware and endangers the devices of the users.
With the update to Android 14, external downloads should also become much more difficult. The software aims to completely block apps designed for older versions and prevent them from downloading, according to a report by 9to5Google. Initially, only very old versions of Android will be affected, but the threshold will probably be raised quickly.
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