Google to Enable One-Tap Installs From Approved Android App Stores Outside U.S.
Summary
Starting December 1, approved third-party Android stores can offer one-tap installs and background updates on supported Android 17 QPR2+ devices outside the U.S. Stores must submit their catalogs and updates for Google's ongoing malware scanning.
Key points
- Stores must pass identity checks and submit their full catalogs, new apps and updates to Google for ongoing malware scanning.
- The features begin December 1 on supported devices running Android 17 QPR2 or later; the U.S. is excluded.
- Users must still explicitly consent to each install. Large downloads and background installs must display visible notifications.
- Registered stores receive Google's Android Developer ID API to check whether apps come from verified developers; Google recommends blocking apps that fail the check.
- IT administrators can block registered stores from being installed on managed devices, but Google's program pages do not clarify whether this blocks stores already installed.
- Google does not describe how submitted apps are scanned, how quickly new uploads are checked or what results the checks produce.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Google program change enabling approved third-party Android app stores to install apps with one tap and update them in the background.
- Impact
- Approved stores must submit their full catalogs and new apps and updates for Google's malware scanning. One-tap installs remove Android's usual confirmation screens, but stores must still obtain explicit consent for each install. The features are limited to supported countries and devices running Android 17 QPR2 or later; the article does not specify how Google scans submitted apps or how quickly checks occur.
Vendors
Products
AndroidThird-party Android app stores can now apply to Google for permission to install apps with one tap, without Android's usual confirmation screens, and to update them in the background.Google PlayIn the US, a separate Google program for distributing third-party stores through Google Play has been in effect since July 22.
Tools
Countries
Brazilprogram, now in its first phase with seven app stores. Since September 30, certified Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand have checked that apps from those stores come from verifiedIndonesianow in its first phase with seven app stores. Since September 30, certified Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand have checked that apps from those stores come from verified developers,Singaporefirst phase with seven app stores. Since September 30, certified Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand have checked that apps from those stores come from verified developers, according toThailandwith seven app stores. Since September 30, certified Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand have checked that apps from those stores come from verified developers, according to Google. GoogleUnited StatesIn the US, a separate Google program for distributing third-party stores through Google Play has been in effect since July 22.