The Android system has always been open and allow users to sideload apps at their will. However, the dynamics of the industry is now changing and it appears that Samsung is going with the flow. According to Authority, new Samsung Galaxy series phones and tablets pre-installed with One UI 6.1.1 will prevent users from sideloading apps from unauthorized sources by default. This change is aimed at enhancing security and protecting users from potential threats. Let’s explore the details of this new feature, its implications, and how users can manage these settings.
Permissions Overview
To grasp the impact of this change, it is good to have a basic knowledge of Android permissions related to app installations.
INSTALL_PACKAGES
Android has blocked sideloading by default at the OS level. The `INSTALL_PACKAGES` permission, which allows silent installation of new apps without prompting the user, is only granted to pre-installed app stores such as the Play Store or the manufacturer’s app store. Apps that request this permission are automatically granted it.
REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES
Most third-party app stores use the `REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES` permission, which requires explicit user authorization during app installation. When an app with this permission tries to install a new app, the Android system prompts the user for approval. This ensures that users are aware of new installations and can prevent the direct installation of some apps.
Auto Blocker Function
Samsung introduced the Auto Blocker feature in One UI 6.0. It blocks the installation of unauthorized apps, even if the app has been granted the `REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES` permission.
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After enabling the Auto Blocker feature on Samsung phones, users can only install and update apps through the Google Play Store and the Samsung Galaxy App Store. This feature is designed to prevent potentially harmful apps from being installed on the device.
One UI 6.1.1 Update
The latest update, One UI 6.1.1, comes with the Auto Blocker function enabled by default on new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 devices. This means that, out of the box, users will be unable to sideload apps from unauthorized sources. However, users still have the option to turn off this feature if they wish to sideload apps.
In Samsung’s One UI 6.0 system, Auto Blocker is an optional feature and is not active by default. Users can manually enable it by opening the Settings app and going to “Security and Privacy” to turn on “Auto Blocker.”
With One UI 6.1.1, while the feature is active by default on new devices, users retain control over this setting. If a user prefers to sideload apps, they can disable the Auto Blocker feature through the device settings.
Impact on Previous Devices
Devices that have upgraded to One UI 6.1.1 from earlier versions will retain their original settings, with Auto Blocker disabled by default. Users who wish to benefit from the security can manually enable the feature in their settings.
Conclusion
Samsung Auto Blocker feature in One UI 6.1.1 marks a big step towards enhancing user security. It will prevent getting apps from unknown sources by default. While this feature aims to protect users from potential threats, Samsung provides the flexibility to disable sideloading restrictions. This option will be good for users who prefer to sideload apps.
