Sideloading has remained the main argument against switching to iOS and for all valid reasons such as quickly updating apps to the latest versions or installing an unreleased app to feed your curiosity. Unfortunately, it looks like Google is blocking page loading on Android after the latest Google Play Integrity API update.
Google's New Security Feature: Block Sideloaded Apps! #technews #google #sideloading #app
For those unaware of Google Play's privacy, it's an API that lets developers know via server requests whether both the app and the operating system users are running on are genuine. This is used to combat modded apps and prevent users from using them as they may be harmful.
According to Mishaal Rahman via Android Authority, developers can call the API at any time and receive an "integrity hit". This may block users from using the app. The latest Play Integrity update can determine if an app is sideloaded instead of downloading it from the Play Store. It then redirects users to the original app in the Play Store.
It's basically like a game license check on Steam. When the platform detects that you have installed the game from somewhere else after adding it as a non-Steam game, it will ask you to download it from Steam instead.
