Based.

I wonder how badly Google's shenanigans will affect sales of new Android devices too. I've been looking to buy a foldable at some point, but I'll have to make entirely sure it won't be of an effectively broken (too new) Android version.

I doubt then locking down side loading will make more than 1% difference. Most people just don't care.

This. The average don't even know what sideloading is.

Hence they are comfortable making this overreaching decision.

Well what is the alternative? Apple does the very same, even in the EU.

The single most prevailing argument for Android was always “sideloading”.

“You want sideload on Apple? Go buy an Android”

I see this change as win, personally.

a) it will finally shut the fuck up braindead sideload, Apple bootlicking, haters

b) EU can go after both Google and Apple to allow sideloading (one can only dream!)

Win-win.

It's not the same because Google still allows you to load apps for free. Apple forces you to pay a yearly subscription.