3 6 Ke·2025-09-01 01:25Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing competition between Apple and Google regarding app distribution and security, highlighting Apple's stance on a controlled ecosystem versus Google's recent moves to enhance security in the Android environment while still allowing sideloading. Group 1: Apple's Position - Apple CEO Tim Cook previously stated that users have a choice between a secure platform (iOS) and one that allows sideloading (Android), implying that having only one App Store on iOS is justified [1] - Cook criticized the Android ecosystem, claiming that the number of malicious apps on Android is over 47 times that of iOS, attributing this to the rigorous app review process of the App Store [3] Group 2: Google's Response - Google announced that starting in 2026, it will verify the identity of developers distributing apps on Android devices, even if they choose to bypass the Google Play Store [3][11] - This move aims to combat the proliferation of malware in the Android ecosystem while still allowing developers to use sideloading or third-party app stores [5] Group 3: Security Concerns - The Android ecosystem has seen a significant increase in malware, with a 2018 report indicating that only 0.04% of apps from the Google Play Store were classified as potentially harmful, compared to 0.92% from other sources, showing a 23-fold difference [6] - Despite Google's efforts to enhance security with AI technology in Android 16, sideloading remains a significant vulnerability, as users may unknowingly install malicious apps [8][10] Group 4: Developer Compliance - Google’s new requirement for developers to register their identity aims to reduce the risks associated with malicious applications, as it increases the cost for black and gray market distributors [12] - The move towards a more controlled environment reflects a shift in Google's approach, balancing the historical openness of Android with the need for improved security [11]