Home › News ›

Android Will Only Allow Side-Loaded Apps from Verified Developers

Aug 26, 2025, 10:14 AM by Rich Brome @rbrome.bsky.social

Google is introducing a new requirement in Android for side-loaded apps (those installed from sources other than the Google Play store.) In the future, Android will only run side-loaded apps that are confirmed to come from developers that have registered with Google and confirmed their identity. This feature alone won't prevent malware in side-loaded apps; but it does introduce a level of accountability when malware is found in a side-loaded app, making it more difficult for bad actors to be anonymous or hide behind multiple, fake identities. The feature will be enabled first in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, then globally in "2027 and beyond".

Related

iPhone 15 Series Goes All-In on USB-C and Dynamic Island

Sep 12, 2023
Apple has revealed the iPhone 15 series, which moves to a USB-C connector and brings several key features from last year's Pro models to the more-affordable standard models. These include the pill-shaped sensor cutout in the display that Apple calls Dynamic Island, a brighter display that can reach 2000 nits, a 48 megapixel main camera, and the A16 Bionic processor chip.

Samsung S24 Series Adds More AI, Updates the Hardware

Jan 17, 2024
Samsung has unveiled its lineup of flagship phones for 2024, the Galaxy S24 series. The phones sport multiple upgrades in both hardware and software compared to last year's models.

iOS 18 Overhauls Home Screen, Messaging, Photos

Jun 10, 2024
Apple just announced iOS 18 for iPhones. The update will bring a slew of new features, with the biggest changes coming to home screen icons, messaging, and the Photos app.

New York State Launches Mobile ID App

Jun 11, 2024
New York is newest US state to offer an official, standards-compliant mobile ID (MiD). The new New York Mobile ID app is available for both Android and iOS.

Motorola Upgrades its razr Foldables Across the Board

Jun 25, 2024
Motorola has revealed its new razr and razr+ foldable phones for 2024. While the price points are unchanged at $700 and $1,000, both models get important upgrades.

more news about:

Comments

This forum is closed.

This forum is closed.

organshifter

Aug 31, 2025, 2:13 AM

Not the Best Way to Shake Things Up!

This change could do more harm than good. Many apps are developed by unverified developers who have no plans to release their work on the Google Play Store. They are also unlikely to want to confirm their identity or register with Google. Requiring these things will likely negatively impact the "open-source" community.

Page 1 of 1

Android Will Only Allow Side-Loaded Apps from Verified Developers

Comments

Review: Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact