For reasons beyond the scope of this question, old-school apt-get and deb suit me better than snap. The "Ubuntu Software" application only offers snaps for some applications (e.g. audacity). I could install it using apt from the terminal, but I'd rather default to apt than to snap altogether, leaving snap exclusively for specific things which snap offers a newer version that I perhaps need.
In short, is that possible/how? Any consequences to consider?
The Ubuntu software store is an adapted version of Gnome software, packed as a snap. It should list both snap and APT packages if software is available in two formats. It lists the snap version first. There is –at least not a user exposed– possibility to prioritize APT packages in the listing, or not display one or the other.
To work around, you could revert to the Gnome software center. Install it with the command:
As such, only APT packages will be exposed. You can include snap packages, and eventually if you would be using it, flatpak by installing plugins:
Both software centers can co-exist, but you could remove the default Ubuntu software store with the command
Since the store is shipped as a snap itself confining it to only using PackageKit-based installation would prevent updates to it. The code is available for review but it seems like a major refactoring would be required to force it to use PackageKit-based installation.