Google to phase out legacy apps with Android 14 to improve security

24 January 2023
Android 14 will block the installation of really old apps.

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  • Anonymous
  • HW1
  • 24 Jan 2023

Oh cool, so it's still possible. Just harder. Great. They will probably remove it entirely in Android 15

"Given the extra steps required, it’s less likely that someone would do this by mistake and inadvertently install malware."

You know what would be nice? If it was a permanent flag that you could change through ADB only, which would then allow you to side load older apps. But of course, I doubt it would be this easy.

I would rather root my phone.

    Daemon Targaryen, 24 Jan 2023But iOS' firmware requirement is trash. If you don... moreAnd how is that an issue when iPhone 8, a phone from 6 years ago is still getting these required updates? Apple can afford that when they deliver updates for old devices for so long. Show me one Android phone from 2017 that's still receiving major Android OS updates. And that's not even the main issue. When new Android phones with Android 14 will show up, that won't be an issue. The issue will come at later time when phones with these restrictions won't be getting any updates anymore.

      • ?
      • Anonymous
      • HW1
      • 24 Jan 2023

      Android 11 looking better and better

        SShock, 24 Jan 2023Lol, what a mega shot in the foot. Apple can afford to do t... moreBut iOS' firmware requirement is trash. If you don't have at least iOS14, some apps will no longer update or won't work on your iPhone at all. This whole thing with Apple and their long software support is overrated and hogwash. I collect old iPhones and many true collectors want that iPhone with the original firmware it came with because battery life is garbage 5 years later.

        I'm actually so angry by this news. Android is no longer open like before. I will never update my phones to Android 14 then. I prefer using old apks because some apps get worse after they're updated. And I want to continue to sideload apps. Android is becoming no different than iOS and I'm disappointed by it.

          Lol, what a mega shot in the foot. Apple can afford to do that because they deliver major OS versions for so long on ALL of their devices. With Android's pathetic support and fragmentation, restricting users to major OS versions is just asinine.

            If they block sideloading then there is literally no reason to stick with Android. Guess my next phone will be an iPhone 15

              • ?
              • Anonymous
              • YUU
              • 24 Jan 2023

              Minty, 24 Jan 2023Your only android experience is probably on a budget 2012 m... moreDid I hurt your pride? Oh BTW, I use and own iPhone with the latest iOS version and Realme 7 Pro with Android 12 as my daily drive. Poor you stuck with legacy apps 😆

                How am i supposed to install free movie apps and games then ? Lol

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                  • AnonD-731363
                  • SH3
                  • 24 Jan 2023

                  Anonymous, 24 Jan 2023Not really a bad news as only about 5~8% of Android phones ... moreFrom 2024 only 5-10% will run Android 13 out of the box. Rest wwill have android 14 or 15 later that year.

                    • ?
                    • Anonymous
                    • 0vE
                    • 24 Jan 2023

                    Anonymous, 24 Jan 2023android is becoming ios. since android 11 i haven't se... moreThere is no such thing as “my software”

                    It’s all a license that allows you to use it.

                    I agree with the rest however.

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                      • AnonD-731363
                      • SH3
                      • 24 Jan 2023

                      Anonymous, 24 Jan 2023Humanity desperately need a good alternative to iOS and Android. We have its called Harmony OS best OS of the remaining two.

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                        • AnonD-731363
                        • SH3
                        • 24 Jan 2023

                        hoo, 24 Jan 2023Good news , chinese crapy apps gone , the xiaomi browser ... moreWe should get rid of all UIs and keep only pure android experience.

                          • ?
                          • Anonymous
                          • mm$
                          • 24 Jan 2023

                          Removable battery, then headphone jack, then microSD card, then, then yearly upgrades, now ability to sideload most apps.
                          All these aren't enough to make this worthless generation revolt and boycott these OEMs. War is the only solution. This worthless generation must perish and we need a brand new "archaic" generation who care about those "archaic" features.

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                            • AnonD-731363
                            • SH3
                            • 24 Jan 2023

                            Anders, 24 Jan 2023So android is basically going to become iOS meaning there w... moreMan since when Jack and SD slot is android dependable???
                            It depends on phone brand and most phones still have those old burden like features.

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                              • AnonD-731363
                              • SH3
                              • 24 Jan 2023

                              Anonymous, 24 Jan 2023Worst "improvement" of androidAnd why is that so???
                              Instaling outdated old unsupported apps which are harmfull for device and user are good for what???
                              You have no clue man.

                                Does this mean that the GCam mod apps that I have currently installed won't work once my phone moves to Android 14, or only new installs will be blocked?

                                I also have a couple of apps for some remote control toys that I own that haven't been updated yet. I guess there might be value in getting an older phone that only goes up to Android 13?

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                                  • AnonD-731363
                                  • SH3
                                  • 24 Jan 2023

                                  NotAFanB0Y, 24 Jan 2023Making it difficult to sideload apps is a stupid move... Pe... moreMan this is nt for making it useless but to protect people from harm.
                                  For what sake is good outdated app which does not have support and is improporiate???
                                  Dangerous apps should be removed too.
                                  In case of google i would disable all the advertising on all apps as well.

                                    I just switched off automatic updates on my S22 Ultra.

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                                      • AnonD-731363
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                                      • 24 Jan 2023

                                      Wesley Nwantu, 24 Jan 2023Make a list of the forbbidned app ifpo ssible.. Man snce there is over 5 billions of apps on google play do you really think this is possible???
                                      And even is it will be just 10% of tottal sum will you read all 500 000 000 or 500 million apps which will be prohibited???
                                      I really dont think so.

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                                        • JustSomeRandomGuy
                                        • EwD
                                        • 24 Jan 2023

                                        0odle-noodle, 24 Jan 2023What is the device pictured in the stock image?looks like a Sony Xperia 1 series phone