Google has recently announced that it will be enforcing more stringent rules for installing apps on Android devices. Starting next year, users will only be able to install apps from verified developers.
Think of this new process as an ID check at the airport, where the developer's identity is confirmed, separate from reviewing the app's content or origin.
Google's primary objective with this change is to prevent the spread of fake apps, particularly malicious ones posing as legitimate apps from reputable institutions like banks. The company has found that sideloaded apps are over 50 times more likely to contain malware. By applying similar verification requirements to Google Play apps, Google has already seen a decrease in malware and fraudulent activities.
Early access testing for the new verification system will commence in October, with full implementation set for March 2026. The new feature will first roll out in select countries before expanding globally in the coming years.
