Why it matters: The Google Play Store does not currently permit updates for sideloaded apps, requiring users to manually download and install updates. However, a new version of Android appears to be testing functionality that could streamline the process and make it more user friendly. It is hard to say whether this change will materialize, but at least one source believes we could see this in a server-side update very soon. Google Play Store may soon let you update sideloaded apps
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The feature was discovered by Android Authority, which cited an APK teardown that found evidence in Play Store version 42.0.18 that users could have a new option labeled “Update from Play” on Play Store listings for apps installed from third-party sources. It would allow them to download and install updates directly from the Play Store rather than the original source.
An APK teardown examines the work-in-progress of an application package to predict potential future features. However, it’s important to note that these predicted features may not necessarily be included in the final public release of the service. Android Authority, though, believes that we could see this particular change appear via a server-side update very soon. Google Play Store may soon let you update sideloaded apps
The Google Play Store currently does not permit updates for apps that have been sideloaded or installed from third-party stores. Instead, users have to manually download and install updates – a process that can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
This came about with the introduction of Android 14,
when Google added a feature that allows an app store to claim update ownership for apps downloaded from it. It was meant to prevent users from accidentally installing an incorrect version of an app from a different store by presenting a confirmation pop-up. This pop-up highlights the original source and alerts the user that updating from a different source may alter the app’s functionality. However, the change also meant that users could not assign the Play Store update ownership for apps that were sideloaded or installed from a third-party app store.
The new functionality has the potential to resolve several pain points for users.
Sideloading modified apps can lead to complications with updates. These apps may appear in the Play Store’s update section but attempting to update them usually results in errors due to package name conflicts or other modifications. And while some users rely on third-party app stores like APKMirror or Aptoide to manage and update their sideloaded apps, these stores may not always be as secure or reliable as the Google Play Store.
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