Installing old "incompatible" apps on Android 14

DeletedUser28

I noticed that GrapheneOS blocks installation of some older apps made for old versions of Android. Apparently this is an upstream change made by Google who now demand a minimum API version. However there is no technical reason, it's just a deliberate choice to block these apps from installing.

Is there any way to install such apps in GrapheneOS?

other8026

DeletedUser28 GrapheneOS blocks installation of some older apps

If I remember correctly, this is an upstream thing from AOSP. I can't speak for the developers, but I'm guessing that they would not even consider changing this or add a toggle because apps that target older API versions are actually less secure. For an OS focused on privacy and security, making it easy for users to circumvent this security feature seems a bit antithetical to the project's goals.

doublefree

https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/8582-legacy-apps/5

DeletedUser28

doublefree
Thanks! I didn't find it in the search.

It would be great to have a GUI toggle for this in GrapheneOS because as a user I don't see the benefit in an OS that patronizes me.

[deleted]

DeletedUser28 I don't see the benefit in an OS that patronizes me.

Both Android and GrapheneOS don't let the user modify so many things, like Thesystem partition. If you want an OS that doesn't patronize you, You should use an OS that gives you full administrative rights.

DeletedUser28

[deleted]

But in this specific case it doesn't need root or make any modifications to the system image. It's possible via adb, which is slightly inconvenient as you need a computer and cable.

[deleted]

DeletedUser28 There are many things like this, which can be done only via ADB, and don't need root or writing to the system image. Installing such ancient apps on an security-focused OS won't make sense in most cases anyway

doublefree

DeletedUser28 You neither need a cable (WLAN) nor a PC (LADB).