According to Mishal Rahman, esper's senior technology editor - starting with Android 13, Google will not allow sideloading applications to use the accessibility API Previously, many apps in the official play store and third-party app store can use this to call the "accessibility" application interface of the system. For example, Google's talkback has the ability to read the content on the screen for visually impaired users through this API.
Android 13 barrier free service disclosure
Although it does not block the door of application sideload like IOS, Google is introducing stricter new restrictions on Android 13.
The mountain view based technology giant said that the sideloading option will not disappear from Android devices because they just want to make the scheme more secure to prevent it from being abused by criminals to inject malware into the device.
If abused, the accessibility API allows the application to fully control the user's device. If you have ever installed and used an application that calls the accessibility API, you should remember the permission application that pops up on the screen (including the ability to view / control the screen and perform relevant operations).
Android 13 restricted settings dialog box
Because the API is too powerful, Google has been trying to combat the abuse of the interface for many years. For example, recently, in the revised policy, the official play app store imposed access restrictions on all apps with call recording function.
If developers do not follow Google's new policy before May 11, relevant apps will not be able to obtain remote call voice permission based on accessibility API.
It should be noted that Android 13 does not affect apps downloaded / loaded through legal channels (including official play stores and trusted third-party app stores), because the new policy only targets APK installation packages from untrusted sources.
The main reason is that malicious application developers will dress up as harmless to humans and animals, and then secretly use the accessibility API to steal users' confidential data.
Android 13 Restricted Settings Demo（via）
Finally, Google to esper Said that Android 13 may prevent users from granting relevant access rights to sideloading applications.
During the installation process, the system will identify whether the side loaded app comes from a trusted app store or other unknown channels - if the latter, the specific entry will be grayed out, and a prompt "this setting is temporarily unavailable for your safety" will pop up.