Installing applications laterally or sideloading with APK files is a tradition of Android users since time immemorial. However, due to the increasing number of malicious applications that are dangerous, installing side-loading applications is becoming more and more difficult for the sake of user protection. Most recently, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 have a feature that completely prevents the installation of apps from the side with it enabled by default.
This security feature on Samsung devices is named as Auto Blocker and it starts being activated by default in Galaxy devices running OneUI 6.1.1 and above. It is the second hurdle after the first hurdle which is sideloading permission. It can however be turned off by the owner if he is confident with the downloaded APK.
Auto Blocker not only blocks APK sideloading but also blocks malicious attacks via USB connection, blocks malicious images in messaging apps and blocks updates via USB.
At the same time, Samsung also added a Maximum restrictions feature that activates application protection, prevents applications with administrator access, prevents the ability to automatically download something, prevents links in text, removes location data from photos when shared and prevents photo albums from being shared.