- New update option for sideloaded apps on the Google Play Store.
- Android 14 allows app stores to set update ownership.
- Users may soon switch update ownership to the Google Play Store.
The Google Play Store is gearing up to introduce an exciting new feature that could change how users update their apps. This development will particularly impact those who sideload apps or install them from third-party stores. With the upcoming changes, you might soon have the option to update these apps directly from the Google Play Store, making the process more seamless and integrated.
Currently, if you download an app from a source other than the Google Play Store, keeping it up-to-date can be a bit of a hassle. You need to manually check for updates from the original source or sideload the new versions. However, recent evidence found in Play Store version 42.0.18 hints at a new feature that could streamline this process. Users may soon see an “Update from Play” option on the Play Store listings for apps installed from third-party sources. This feature would allow you to download and install updates from the Play Store itself, bypassing the need to return to the original source.
Google Play Store: Upcoming Update Features
An APK teardown, which involves examining the code of an app to predict future features, has provided insights into this potential update. Although not all predicted features make it to the public release, the signs are promising. Google’s move to introduce this feature aligns with changes already implemented in Android 14. This version allows app stores to set update ownership for apps they distribute. The goal is to prevent users from accidentally installing incorrect versions of apps from different stores. When attempting to update such an app, users receive a confirmation pop-up, highlighting the original source and warning that updating from a different source may alter the app’s functionality.
Despite this safeguard, the current system does not let users grant the Play Store update ownership for apps sideloaded or installed from third-party stores. This might change soon, as indicated by a new flag in the latest Google Play Store release. The flag suggests that users might see updates available for apps from different sources. The app listing would feature a new “Update from Play” button, enabling users to switch the update ownership from the original source to the Play Store.
This update feature would come with a notification stating, “The app installed on your device didn’t come from Google Play. You can update the app from the original source or from Google Play.” It remains unclear whether selecting the “Update from Play” button will ensure all future updates for that app come from the Play Store. More clarity will emerge once the feature is rolled out to users.
The Google Play Store, the default app store on most Android devices, frequently receives new features aimed at enhancing user experience. Beyond smartphones and tablets, it supports app downloads for Wear OS smartwatches and Android TVs. Unlike Apple, which restricts third-party app stores to specific regions, Google allows Android users to install apps from various sources without much hassle. However, these sideloaded apps do not appear in the Google Play Store, requiring manual updates to the latest versions.
With Android 14, Google introduced a feature allowing app stores to set update ownership for downloaded apps. While this doesn’t prevent updates from different app stores, it does present users with a warning pop-up when attempting to update, informing them that the app was downloaded from another source and updating might change its functionality.
In recent months, Google has introduced several new features to enhance the Play Store experience. These include the option to update apps with a limited amount of mobile data and the ability to download two apps simultaneously. These updates are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the user experience and make managing apps more convenient for Android users.
The potential new feature allowing the Google Play Store to handle updates for sideloaded and third-party apps marks a significant step towards simplifying app management for Android users. By integrating this capability, Google aims to streamline the update process and provide a more cohesive experience. As we await the official rollout, it’s clear that Google continues to innovate and enhance its platform to better serve its users.
FAQ
How does this feature benefit users?
It simplifies the update process for sideloaded apps by providing a single platform for updates.
What other new features has Google recently introduced?
Google has introduced options to update apps with limited mobile data and download two apps simultaneously.
