Google, a major tech company, has announced a significant change in its Android ecosystem. The new update requires all developers who distribute apps even outside the Play Store to undergo identity verification. According to the recent Android Developers Blog, “Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers to be installed by users on certified Android devices.” Google is making installing apps safer for everyone, keeping away from the bad actors and malicious actors with this next layer of security, the developer verification.
This move extends beyond Google’s existing Play Store verification system to encompass third-party app stores and sideloaded apps, thereby raising the accountability bar across the platform. The action is starting slowly, with invitations for developers to begin testing in October 2025, and complete availability is expected to be live in March 2026.
The verification mandate will commence in September 2025 in countries including Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. At that point, only apps registered by verified developers will be installable on certified Android devices.
Why Google Is Making This Change?
Google says this requirement aims to help restrict the impact of malware and scams often exploited by bad actors who impersonate legitimate developers and create convincing fake apps. The tech company mentions in its recent analysis that internet sideloaded sources have 60 times more malware than apps available on Google Play. Google is moving forward in strengthening its defense.
Additionally, by implementing “developer ID verification”, the method we use to confirm a traveler’s identity at the airport – Google aims to make it difficult for someone banned from using the Play Store to re-emerge as a different developer.
For most developers who publish apps through the Play Store, there’s little change, as they already have their identity verified through the existing Play Console, where developers undergo verification.
However, to make the process smoother, Google is working on a new Android Developer Console designed explicitly for developers distributing apps outside of Google Play. Alongside, there is a separate path for students and hobbyists. Developers need to identify personal or legal information that requires privacy and business registration concerns for small, independent developers.
How is the Impact on the Android Ecosystem?
The move is a solid addition to the previous steps, such as Google’s 2023 requirement for organizational accounts to have a legitimate D-U-N-S number. It aligns well with existing regional restrictions on sideloading apps that are unsafe in territories such as Thailand, Singapore, India, and Brazil.
The new system is here to provide a consistent and common-sense baseline of developer accountability throughout the ecosystem. Alongside, developers will have the freedom to distribute their apps via sideloading or third-party stores. Thus, in short, the security measures for Android apps are now here to reach the next level!
Visit us here to stay ahead with the daily dose of tech news!
Recommended For You: