The Google Play Store is poised to enhance its functionality by allowing users to install updates for apps that have been sideloaded or obtained from third-party stores. Recent findings in the Play Store version 42.0.18 indicate that a new feature may soon be available, presenting users with an “Update from Play” option for these applications. This development would enable users to seamlessly download and install updates directly from the Play Store, rather than reverting to the original source.
New Update Ownership Feature
This anticipated feature stems from an APK teardown, a method used to analyze code and predict future functionalities. While such predictions are not guaranteed to make it to the final release, the implications of this change are noteworthy. Google had previously introduced a significant update with Android 14, allowing app stores to establish update ownership for applications downloaded from their platforms. This was designed to prevent users from inadvertently installing incompatible versions of apps from different sources, accompanied by a confirmation pop-up that clarifies the original source and warns of potential functionality changes.
Currently, while users can install updates from alternative app stores, they lack the option to assign update ownership to the Play Store for apps that were sideloaded or sourced from third-party stores. However, the latest flag in the Google Play Store hints at a shift in this policy, suggesting that users will soon be able to see available updates for apps installed from various sources. The app listings will feature the new “Update from Play” button, which would transfer update ownership from the original source to the Play Store.
In addition to this functionality, users will receive alerts indicating, “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.” At this stage, it remains unclear whether selecting the “Update from Play” button will permanently redirect all future updates to the Play Store. As the rollout progresses, further clarity will emerge regarding this feature’s full capabilities.
Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at news@androidauthority.com. You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it’s your choice.
