Sideloading - Revision history

Trinity: Added archived reference links

2026-02-12T17:53:31Z

Added archived reference links

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:53, 12 February 2026
Line 19:		Line 19:
	''Main article:'' [[Google plans to restrict sideloading of Android apps]].		''Main article:'' [[Google plans to restrict sideloading of Android apps]].

	Google claims that this will increase security, however they have a history of allowing unsafe and low quality content on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Abrams \|first=Lawrence \|date=September 16, 2025 \|title=Google nukes 224 Android malware apps behind massive ad fraud campaign \|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/}}</ref>		Google claims that this will increase security, however they have a history of allowing unsafe and low quality content on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Abrams \|first=Lawrence \|date=September 16, 2025 \|title=Google nukes 224 Android malware apps behind massive ad fraud campaign \|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/ \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250916174433/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/ \|archive-date=16 Sep 2025}}</ref>

	It is unclear how moving to a single authority for trust would improve user experience on Android devices. For example, the [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid] project, a repository of open source apps where, unlike in Google's store, volunteers actually inspect the source code of every single app to ensure that they are safe and tracking free, announced the announced changes would mean the end for them.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=marcprux \|date=2025-09-25 \|title=F-Droid and Google's Developer Registration Decree \|url=https://f-droid.org/en/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html \|access-date=2025-10-07 \|website=F-Droid}}</ref>		It is unclear how moving to a single authority for trust would improve user experience on Android devices. For example, the [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid] project, a repository of open source apps where, unlike in Google's store, volunteers actually inspect the source code of every single app to ensure that they are safe and tracking free, announced the announced changes would mean the end for them.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=marcprux \|date=2025-09-25 \|title=F-Droid and Google's Developer Registration Decree \|url=https://f-droid.org/en/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250929015129/https://f-droid.org/en/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html \|archive-date=29 Sep 2025 \|access-date=2025-10-07 \|website=F-Droid}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==

SinexTitan: grammar correction

2025-11-05T01:14:35Z

grammar correction

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:14, 5 November 2025
Line 10:		Line 10:

	==Why it happens==		==Why it happens==
	Without meaningful competition, ~~monopoly~~ providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation. A single store means another single point of failure for a platform. When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked. Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software. Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.		Without meaningful competition, monopolistic providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation. A single store means another single point of failure for a platform. When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked. Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software. Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.

	Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.		Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.

Meep: Added extra context about iOS and sideloading

2025-11-04T21:36:44Z

Added extra context about iOS and sideloading

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:36, 4 November 2025
Line 5:		Line 5:
	[[Android]] is an open-source operating system that allows app downloads irrespective of the source of the app file. When Android was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built a software repository, the [[Google Play Store]], on top of the android framework, leading to most app installations taking place via the Play Store.		[[Android]] is an open-source operating system that allows app downloads irrespective of the source of the app file. When Android was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built a software repository, the [[Google Play Store]], on top of the android framework, leading to most app installations taking place via the Play Store.

	On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow installation of apps outside their official [[Apple App Store]].		On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow installation of apps outside their official [[Apple App Store]], except for within the European Union, where regulations forced them to allow alternative app stores such as Altstore to run on their phones.

	The term ''sideloading'' denotes the practice of downloading external app files by means other than the official stores, though it assumes that the ecosystem lock-in is the standard protocol while alternative means are "unofficial."		The term ''sideloading'' denotes the practice of downloading external app files by means other than the official stores, though it assumes that the ecosystem lock-in is the standard protocol while alternative means are "unofficial."

MrTuttle: /* Google announces plan to restrict app downloads */ Add mention of F-Droid to back up that Google's plans will make app safety worse. I don't think their actions warrant giving them too much benefit of a doubt here.

2025-10-07T20:13:18Z

Google announces plan to restrict app downloads: Add mention of F-Droid to back up that Google's plans will make app safety worse. I don't think their actions warrant giving them too much benefit of a doubt here.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:13, 7 October 2025
Line 14:		Line 14:
	Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.		Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.

	== Related incidents ==		==Related incidents==

	=== Google announces plan to restrict app downloads ===		===Google announces plan to restrict app downloads===
	''Main article:'' [[Google plans to restrict sideloading of Android apps]].		''Main article:'' [[Google plans to restrict sideloading of Android apps]].

	Google claims that this will increase security, however they have a history of allowing unsafe and low quality content on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Abrams \|first=Lawrence \|date=September 16, 2025 \|title=Google nukes 224 Android malware apps behind massive ad fraud campaign \|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/}}</ref> It is unclear ~~that~~ moving to a single authority for trust ~~will~~ improve user experience on Android devices.		Google claims that this will increase security, however they have a history of allowing unsafe and low quality content on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Abrams \|first=Lawrence \|date=September 16, 2025 \|title=Google nukes 224 Android malware apps behind massive ad fraud campaign \|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/}}</ref>

			It is unclear how moving to a single authority for trust would improve user experience on Android devices. For example, the [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid] project, a repository of open source apps where, unlike in Google's store, volunteers actually inspect the source code of every single app to ensure that they are safe and tracking free, announced the announced changes would mean the end for them.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=marcprux \|date=2025-09-25 \|title=F-Droid and Google's Developer Registration Decree \|url=https://f-droid.org/en/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html \|access-date=2025-10-07 \|website=F-Droid}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==

Beanie Bo: more organizing

2025-10-07T19:06:18Z

more organizing

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 7 October 2025
Line 2:		Line 2:
	'''Sideloading''' refers to the act of downloading and installing mobile apps without the restrictions of designated app stores.		'''Sideloading''' refers to the act of downloading and installing mobile apps without the restrictions of designated app stores.

	== Background ==		==Background==
	[[Android]] is an open-source operating system that allows app downloads irrespective of the source of the app file. When Android was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built a software repository, the [[Google Play Store]], on top of the android framework, leading to most app installations taking place via the Play Store.		[[Android]] is an open-source operating system that allows app downloads irrespective of the source of the app file. When Android was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built a software repository, the [[Google Play Store]], on top of the android framework, leading to most app installations taking place via the Play Store.

Line 9:		Line 9:
	The term ''sideloading'' denotes the practice of downloading external app files by means other than the official stores, though it assumes that the ecosystem lock-in is the standard protocol while alternative means are "unofficial."		The term ''sideloading'' denotes the practice of downloading external app files by means other than the official stores, though it assumes that the ecosystem lock-in is the standard protocol while alternative means are "unofficial."

	== Why it happens ==		==Why it happens==
	Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation. A single store means another single point of failure for a platform. When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked. Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software. Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.		Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation. A single store means another single point of failure for a platform. When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked. Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software. Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.

	Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.		Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.

	[[Google plans to restrict sideloading of Android apps]]. Google claims that this will increase security, however they have a history of allowing unsafe and low quality content on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Abrams \|first=Lawrence \|date=September 16, 2025 \|title=Google nukes 224 Android malware apps behind massive ad fraud campaign \|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/}}</ref> It is unclear that moving to a single authority for trust will improve user experience on Android devices.		== Related incidents ==

			=== Google announces plan to restrict app downloads ===
			''Main article:'' [[Google plans to restrict sideloading of Android apps]].

			Google claims that this will increase security, however they have a history of allowing unsafe and low quality content on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Abrams \|first=Lawrence \|date=September 16, 2025 \|title=Google nukes 224 Android malware apps behind massive ad fraud campaign \|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/}}</ref> It is unclear that moving to a single authority for trust will improve user experience on Android devices.

	==References==		==References==

Beanie Bo: some restructuring and elaborating

2025-10-07T18:45:25Z

some restructuring and elaborating

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:45, 7 October 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Stub}}		{{Stub}}
	'''Sideloading''' is the act of installing programs you chose on your computer. For example, [[Android]] is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework. They built a software repository, the Google Play Store, and tried to normalize the idea that most mobile apps ~~would be downloaded from their store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside~~ of ~~the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings~~.		'''Sideloading''' refers to the act of downloading and installing mobile apps without the restrictions of designated app stores.

	On the ~~contrary, some operating systems, such as~~ [[~~Apple~~]]~~'s iOS~~, ~~do not allow sideloading.~~ [[~~Apple App~~ Store]] ~~creates a monopoly in~~ the ~~market~~, ~~letting them censor what programs may do~~.		== Background ==
			[[Android]] is an open-source operating system that allows app downloads irrespective of the source of the app file. When Android was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built a software repository, the [[Google Play Store]], on top of the android framework, leading to most app installations taking place via the Play Store.

	Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation. A single store means another single point of failure for a platform. When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked. Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software. Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.		On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow installation of apps outside their official [[Apple App Store]].

			The term ''sideloading'' denotes the practice of downloading external app files by means other than the official stores, though it assumes that the ecosystem lock-in is the standard protocol while alternative means are "unofficial."

			== Why it happens ==
			Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation. A single store means another single point of failure for a platform. When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked. Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software. Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.

	Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.		Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.

Drakeula: mention stores/devices other than android/IOS

2025-09-21T07:05:37Z

mention stores/devices other than android/IOS

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:05, 21 September 2025
Line 2:		Line 2:
	'''Sideloading''' is the act of installing programs you chose on your computer. For example, [[Android]] is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework. They built a software repository, the Google Play Store, and tried to normalize the idea that most mobile apps would be downloaded from their store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.		'''Sideloading''' is the act of installing programs you chose on your computer. For example, [[Android]] is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework. They built a software repository, the Google Play Store, and tried to normalize the idea that most mobile apps would be downloaded from their store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.

	On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow sideloading. [[Apple App Store]] creates a monopoly in the market, letting them censor what programs may do. Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation.		On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow sideloading. [[Apple App Store]] creates a monopoly in the market, letting them censor what programs may do.

			Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation. A single store means another single point of failure for a platform. When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked. Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software. Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run.

	Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.		Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.

Drakeula: Links to related articles, note changes in openness on android

2025-09-21T06:56:17Z

Links to related articles, note changes in openness on android

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:56, 21 September 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Stub}}		{{Stub}}
	'''Sideloading''' is the act of ~~downloading mobile apps without the restrictions of designated app stores~~. For example, Android is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by Google in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework, and most mobile apps ~~had to~~ be downloaded ~~via the Google Play Store~~. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.		'''Sideloading''' is the act of installing programs you chose on your computer. For example, [[Android]] is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework. They built a software repository, the Google Play Store, and tried to normalize the idea that most mobile apps would be downloaded from their store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.

	On the contrary, some operating systems, such as Apple's iOS, do not allow sideloading. Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.		On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow sideloading. [[Apple App Store]] creates a monopoly in the market, letting them censor what programs may do. Without meaningful competition, monopoly providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation.

			Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.

			[[Google plans to restrict sideloading of Android apps]]. Google claims that this will increase security, however they have a history of allowing unsafe and low quality content on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Abrams \|first=Lawrence \|date=September 16, 2025 \|title=Google nukes 224 Android malware apps behind massive ad fraud campaign \|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/}}</ref> It is unclear that moving to a single authority for trust will improve user experience on Android devices.

	==References==		==References==

2601:84:8484:9C40:0:0:0:207E: Fix grammar

2025-09-02T02:30:28Z

Fix grammar

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:30, 2 September 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Stub}}		{{Stub}}
	~~{{Ph-T-Int}}~~Sideloading is the act of downloading mobile apps ~~wIthout~~ the restrictions of designated app stores. For example, Android is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by Google in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework, and most mobile apps had to be downloaded via the Google Play Store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.		'''Sideloading''' is the act of downloading mobile apps without the restrictions of designated app stores. For example, Android is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by Google in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework, and most mobile apps had to be downloaded via the Google Play Store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.

	On the contrary, some operating systems, such as Apple's iOS, ~~does~~ not allow sideloading. Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.		On the contrary, some operating systems, such as Apple's iOS, do not allow sideloading. Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.

	~~==How it works==~~
	~~{{Ph-T-HIW}}~~

	~~==Why it is a problem==~~
	~~{{Ph-T-WIIAP}}~~

	~~==Examples==~~
	~~{{Ph-T-E}}~~

	==References==		==References==

Beanie Bo: Changed wording to avoid anti-consumer language

2025-09-01T23:46:25Z

Changed wording to avoid anti-consumer language

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:46, 1 September 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Stub}}		{{Stub}}
	{{Ph-T-Int}}Sideloading is the act of downloading mobile apps ~~outside~~ of ~~the official channels~~. For example, Android is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by Google in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework, and most mobile apps had to be downloaded via the Google Play Store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.		{{Ph-T-Int}}Sideloading is the act of downloading mobile apps wIthout the restrictions of designated app stores. For example, Android is an open-source operating system and when it was bought by Google in 2005, Google built on top of the android framework, and most mobile apps had to be downloaded via the Google Play Store. However, it was possible to enable downloading apps from outside of the Play Store by enabling this option in device settings.

	On the contrary, some operating systems, such as Apple's iOS, does not allow sideloading. Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.		On the contrary, some operating systems, such as Apple's iOS, does not allow sideloading. Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.