Google will soon verify the identities of developers who distribute Android apps outside the Play Store. Developers must submit their information to a new Android Developer Console, increasing their ...

Currently, developers who create “sideloaded” Android apps are exempt from Google’s verification requirements. Google will soon require all Android app developers to verify their identities, even if ...

Google is requiring developers to verify their identity before their apps hit your phone. This kicks in September 2026, starting with Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, where shady apps have ...

Don't miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google. Do you sideload apps on your Android device? Enjoy while you can, because Google will soon only allow apps from ...

Google announced this week that it will add a new requirement for those who make Android apps and want them to work on Android devices that run Google services. The developers behind Android apps will ...

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After detailing the “advanced flow” for sideloading earlier this month, Google is opening the Android developer verification process to developers today. Google today provided a more detailed timeline ...

From September 2026, any developer who wants to distribute apps outside of the Play Store will need to complete a new identity verification process. This verification is done through the updated ...

Scheduled for rollout starting in September 2026, the program aims to restrict malware distribution by requiring developer verification for apps installed on Android ...

Suzanne Frey, Google’s VP of product, trust and growth for Android, explained the move in a blog post. She said it will slow down attackers who try to repackage malware again and again. “This creates ...