It’s been quite some time now since the initial unveiling of Google’s rather-controversial Developer Verification system for Android apps, which will bring changes on how both developers as well as end users can interact with app sideloading and installations. More recently, Google announced that the policy will officially take effect on September 30, 2026, and will arrive for users in select regions.
With that in mind, the initial rollout will be accessible for users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, and includes seven major app stores such as the Play Store, HONOR App Market, OPPO App Market, Samsung Galaxy Store, Palm Store, V-Appstore, as well as GetApps. Following this, the verification policies will expand globally in 2027.
Furthermore, a suite of new developer-requested tools will launch over the next few months to automate the workflow.; in July, the Android Developer ID Status API will launch globally alongside early access for the Android Developer Console API. The update also introduces a new “limited distribution account” in July, which allows students and hobbyists to share apps to a maximum of 20 devices without requiring a fee or government-issued ID, with a full global release in August.
For users who sideload software, Google will introduce an advanced installation flow for unverified developers starting in August; by September 30, app registration will become strictly mandatory for participating stores in the initial four target countries. Google and select hardware partners will also take feedback before fully launching the verification mandate worldwide next year.
