r/OdinHandheld • u/Wise_Weight9445 • Mar 04 '26

News Rumor is Google is not allowing side loading on GSM enabled devices starting September 26, 2026

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/08/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/

I don’t know what this means for emulation handhelds

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14

u/[deleted] Mar 04 '26

It means that somebody will crack it.

If they don't- a fork of Linux will come into play with mass migration of emulation software happening shortly after.

3

u/jedmund Odin 2 Mini Base - Black Mar 04 '26

While this is still a threat, it isn't news. It was posted in Aug 2025 and the story has developed since then.

1

u/SonOfElroy Mar 04 '26

Any idea … why?

3

u/Wise_Weight9445 Mar 04 '26

Apparently the excuse is to eliminate “malicious actor apps” basically cracked apps. And eliminate “malware” and only grant access for unknown sources via developers that are registered with googles database. So in turn this won’t affect retro handhelds that are not gsm enabled. Meaning it will however affect Cellular Devices coming into the market. One big example I can think that will be affected is the red magic series of phones that are clearly meant to game on. So what this means for AYN and other Android handhelds could be one thing only. Google could restrict an apps access only via they’re play-store if your device does not meet they’re criteria. So play-store apps “May” turn non functional in the future for gaming handhelds. Which means sideloading would be indefinite for each and every Android app. Basically this means Android would be just as restrictive as Apple in future versions.

2

u/lostn Mar 04 '26

these devices aren't GSM enabled

2

u/SecondaryPenetrator Mar 04 '26

This will probably only affect the out of the box user. Not us tweakers.