Google Bans Self-Updating Android Apps

Updating Android apps is usually very simple: Click on the Google Play Store app, My Apps and "Update all." You can even set apps to update automatically. This process is simple for the end user, but creates a time-consuming middleman for app creators. Some apps tried to circumvent this process by including automatic updaters right in the app.


But Google has put a stop to this process: As of now, all Google Play Store app updates will come via the Play Store or not at all. This ban on auto-updaters only applies to software acquired through the Play Store. Users can still install third-party apps from stores such as Amazon or Tencent, or even directly from the web, by allowing app installation from "unknown sources" in a phone or tablet's settings.