Android 14 must deliver a security feature that prevents the installation of “outdated” applications, that is, that were programmed for previous versions of the operating system.
According to information from 9to5Google, the measure seeks to oblige developers to keep their applications always updated with the latest software API.
Thus, in addition to preventing these apps from being listed on the Play Store, the Android 14 should natively block sideloading.
If the measure goes into effect, the user will not be able to download the APK from outside the store and manually install older versions of an application.
The change is present in the newly released Android 14 code.
In order to guarantee an adaptation period, Android 14 should start by blocking the installation of applications designed for very old versions of the system (Android 6 or lower).
However, the intention is to “progressively increase the demand” until reaching an ideal stage (Android 11). With this, Google intends to contain the spread of malware, since many apps of the genre end up being developed for older versions of the system.
Manufacturers will be free to decide whether or not to use the new security feature. It will not be mandatory.
In case the user really needs to install an outdated app, Android 14 should still allow it, but the process will be much more difficult to prevent someone from doing this by mistake.
