Currently, developers who create “sideloaded” Android apps are exempt from Google’s verification requirements.

On 25 August, the tech giant announced that all developers — whether publishing on the Play Store or via sideloading — will ...

"Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed by users on certified Android ...

Google is tightening security measures around Android app distribution, the company announced on Monday. Starting next year, ...

In an effort to increase security around sideloading, Google will be rolling out identity verification for developers ...

Google is introducing new restrictions on Android app distribution, and it could spell the end for some popular third-party ...

Android apps side-loaded from the internet often come from shady sources. Google will soon identify them and block those of ...

With claims that sideloaded apps are 50 times more likely to contain malware, Google is tightening restrictions for ...

Google’s timeline is clear. Early access invites start in October 2025. Verification opens to all developers in March 2026. Enforcement begins in September 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and ...

From 2026, Google will require verified developer IDs for all Android apps, including sideloaded ones, to reduce malware and ...

Currently, developer verification is already required for the Play Store but not for apps installed from other sources. Today ...