Apps can now block sideloading more easily and force downloads through Google Play
The Play Integrity API has made it easier for apps to check whether you installed or bought them from Google Play.
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Some paid apps actually prevents the user from using it if it's not paid from Google play
Are you suggesting such an app can be purchased outside Google play but not used?
Having an app check a license server isn't exactly new. Google play is simply a third party license server.
No, but you can download the APKs anyways. Which is most likely exactly why this is being implemented. I doubt many developers of free apps are going to turn this feature on.
Yes they will. This tool would force users to always use the Play Store which would increase the download count on their app, which would help its ranking in the Play Store. Every last single developer is incentivized to use this.
On the other hand though, the amount of people who sideload free apps is very small because that’s only really interesting for people with degoogled smartphones.
The App Lounge from /e/OS has access to the play store if you choose to log in to Google. It is possible (but not recommended because of a possible ban) to purchase stuff, I haven't done that yet, but some apps want to talk to Google to see if it was purchased and that gives an error.
For example, Wavelet can't unlock paid status, All-In-One Calculator gives the option to link an email so it can restore paid status, Nova Launcher uses a different app to restore paid status so it works as well.
Kinda makes sense. A paid app on Google Play is a license to download the .apk file(s). Then a user could make copies, and without DRM, it'd be the same situation as with copyrighted movies and whatnot.
I'm not saying I support them, it's just that they are like this for a reason