Also, as far as I know, Google hasn't used the security excuse for not implementing it. I just assumed that this wasn't going to get prioritized over OS features that enable Google to make more money.
Installing apps silently (as an app store) requires so-called "Privileged" Android premissions currently. Privileged permissions are only attainable by apps that are preinstalled on Android distribution - which means that Samsung/Huawei/other stores can get it, but it's not available for apps that aren't part of original OS distribution.
So the playing field isn't level for ALL the potential Stores - Google gives these privileges to the OEMs that built the devices and them only.
Android 12 will add a mechanism to get these capabilities but it's currently not clear how (whether it's a permission on first run, or whether it's going to be available to a single app like the SMS related permissions).
IMHO the leverage is all on the OEM side, they just choose to focus on hardware and allow Google to manage the software.
Independent stores is something that was not really a thing before Android so we are figuring out as we go.
Debian third party repos probably come close, but that is for tech savvy folk that know that they are doing. Now design that for your grandma.
> app stores cannot compete with the Play Store on feature parity
The response was:
> that is not true at all
There are plenty of follow up remarks that then clarify that it is infact true in some cases (e.g. F-Droid today) and not true in others (e.g. Samsung store today).
One of the claims made is that it's a security issue to allow alternative stores to silently replace software on your phone (also known as auto updates), and also that this feature is coming in Android 12.
It sounds like Android 11 does not allow a fair level playing field (for what may be justifiable security concerns), and Android 12 throws those security concerns out of the window.
Can someone with knowledge on the subject help clarify?