Android 14 will not like you updating side-loaded apps

We’re neck-deep in the beta testing for Android 14. It looks like this version will be hitting the stable release sometime next month. According to Android Police, Android 14 will not like you updating side-loaded apps, so it will give you a new warning before you do so.

The ability to side-load apps on Android is both a blessing and a curse. One great thing about it is that you’re able to download apps that have been delisted from the Play Store. You can also download older versions of apps in case a newer update changes something you don’t like.

However, it comes with a risk. You don’t know if the APK you’re downloading contains any malware that could dig into your phone and cause trouble for you. You’ll want to be careful when sideloading apps.

Android 14 will issue a new warning when updating side-loaded apps

You’re not only able to side-load apps, you’re also able to update those apps. It’s just that those updates won’t come from the Play Store, and you’ll need to update the apps manually.

According to the report, when you try to update a side-loaded app on the Play Store, you’ll see a new warning screen pop up. The warning will read:  “Update this app from [third-party app store] (beta)? This app normally receives updates from Google Play Store. By updating from a different source, you may receive future updates from any source on your phone. App functionality may change.”

This isn’t the company blocking you from updating the app. You’re given the option to update anyway or cancel it. It’s a warning reminding you of the risks of using side-loaded apps.

What Google is saying is true. Let’s not fool ourselves, there’s still the chance that you’ll run into some shady apps on the Google Play Store. However, Google does a lot to ensure that the apps you’re downloading are safe. You can’t expect the same thing from third-party app stores.

You can’t be sure that the apps you’re downloading from a third-party store have been checked at all. It’s easy to download any sort of malware to your phone.