Can Google delete an App from phones

[atakin77]

This is specifically related to the sunsetting of Inbox. I understand that Google can remove Inbox from the Play Store, they can stop supporting it, and they can encourage me wherever possible to switch back to Gmail. But how can they delete the app from my phone or force the app to stop working? How can they prevent me from sideloading it?

I know I can't use Inbox on my computer, but why would I have to stop on my phone as long as I have the apk?

 

[hallux]

They can block the app from using the authentication to your account. I have one app that will, from time to time, prevent me from accessing it until I update it. This is apparent by repeated login attempts that fail, once the app is updated it suddenly works without having to sign in again.

I do believe that Google HAS forced removal of apps previously, but those were in cases of severe security risk (how CM gets past this I have no idea).

 

[atakin77]

Thanks, didn't think about the authentication aspect. Hopefully they don't go down that path. Appreciate the help.