Android will only allow installation of Android apps from verified developers

[Dopious]

Starting in September 2026, you will only be able to install apps from verified developers, whether the app is distributed through the Play Store, a third-party store, or just as a pure APK file. If the developer behind the app has not been verified by Google, the app will not be able to be installed.

The rule only applies to certified Android phones, that is, all phones sold in stores here. According to Google, the goal is to increase security and reduce the risk of fraud, since anonymous apps can no longer even be installed.

The change won't affect regular users, as almost everyone only installs apps from the Play Store. But the rule could prevent manual installation of some emulators that are distributed anonymously because developers are afraid of being sued by console manufacturers. Those who want to be able to install apps from unverified developers right away should be able to bypass the restriction by replacing the manufacturer's certified system with a ROM.

By making Android safer, we're protecting the open environment that allows developers and users to confidently create and connect. Android's new developer verification is an extra layer of security that deters bad actors and makes it harder for them to spread harm.

Source: https://developer.android.com/developer-verification

 

[roydan]

Another poke in the eye in the name of "user protection".

 

[RiskyStuff]

Another update targeting poor CPA earners like me. No more spreading fake apps grabbing user's data. Time to move to desktop versions.

 

[RiskyStuff]

Once they made it forbidden to post comments with links under your own videos on YouTube. They dialed it back though.

 

[Rem]

well lol
fucking hell
fuck you google
thankfully, the pure APK stuff i have are mostly open source
guess ill self verify myself, if they don't themselves
but fuck you google

 

[RiskyStuff]

I don't know if it could work, but you can have apps packed with different extensions than .apk and open them through another, verified app.

 

[SilverClouds]

The fuckkkk half apps on my phone are from F-Droid, piss off with your Play Store

Another update targeting poor CPA earners like me. No more spreading fake apps grabbing user's data. Time to move to desktop versions.

2nd thing I thought