US EditionGoogle will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year
Google aims to reduce malware risks by requiring developer identity verification for sideloaded apps, citing a 50-fold higher malware rate compared to apps on Google Play.
- On August 25, Google announced it will require developer identity verification for apps installed on certified Android devices, a major shift starting next year.
- Citing security data, Google said internet-sideloaded apps carry over 50 times more malware, while legal pressure from Epic Games and the courts prompted changes.
- Google plans to test the verification process this year and give all developers console access next year through the new Android Developer Console, starting regional rollouts in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
- Independent developers may face new hurdles because anonymity ends for alternative app distribution on certified Android devices, while non‑Google builds remain exempt from this rule.
- As part of a wider security push, Google says its changes build on Play Protect and recent security enhancements, echoing Apple’s steps earlier this year under the Digital Services Act and influenced by Epic Games court rulings.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Google to block sideloading of apps from unverified developers on Android devices from next year: All you need to know
Google is introducing a developer verification programme for Android apps, requiring all developers to be verified to install apps on certified devices. This change aims to reduce malware risks and follows a similar requirement for Play Store developers.
The measure, which will be implemented from 2026 onwards, will affect all applications, including those distributed outside the official Play Store store. It is a movement that seeks to curb the epidemic of malware and financial scams Read
Google to Block Android Sideloading
Google has announced a major change to how Android apps will work in the future, and it could have a big impact on consumers. Starting in 2026, every app installed on a certified Android device will need to come from a verified developer. That means whether you download from the Google Play Store, a third-party store, or sideload directly, the developer must have officially verified their identity with Google. Why Google Is Doing This? Google sa…
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