Google to require developer verification to install and sideload Android apps
Google has announced that only apps from developers that have undergone verification can be installed on certified Android devices in 2026...
Sounds like my next phone won't use Android then, and I'll tell everybody to avoid it. If only Linux mobile was in a hood place :(
Just run Lineage without Google services. It's easy to do, I'm running it currently.
I use the Aurora app store for the rare app I need from Play.
The requirement will go into effect in September 2026 for users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Google notes how these countries have been “specifically impacted by these forms of fraudulent app scams.” Verification will then apply globally from 2027 onwards.
Interesting side note
Haven't read the article yet. Why is Google doing this??? Side loading is a feature, if you are concerned about user scams then leave a way out for people who understand the risks.
Edit: wait is this retaliation for the Play Store No Monopoly thing? Stinking bastards
either get fucked android or I am now a developer and my Id will be fuck-google-services.dev there's my proof
This really sucks. I've had a very slow development on personal projects I wanted to do due to shitloads of management of personal issues and I am getting to the point where I can actually do some development during very specific hours.
My first project is nearing completion, and I wanted to move onto android for the next one as I want to use an arbitary tesselation as a music keyboard, so I basically need a tablet. I don't want to use mac/ipad because they demand a pile of BS, and it looks like android/google are now doing the same fucking nonsense.
I feel trapped on android and phones in general because I need them for 2 factor authentication for work/banks/govt id , so this is really awful.
