Google will allow only apps from verified developers to be installed on Android (9to5google.com)

Article summary

Google will require developer verification to install Android apps on certified devices starting in 2026, aiming to combat malware and financial scams. This requirement applies to all install methods, including third-party app stores and sideloading. Developers will need to provide and verify their personal details, and organizations will need to provide a D-U-N-S number and verify their website. The goal is to confirm the developer's identity, not review the app's content.

Main themes

• Android security
• Developer verification
• App installation restrictions
• Google's control over Android
• Open-source alternatives
• Mobile ecosystem restrictions

What commenters say

• The new policy may not effectively prevent malware and scams, as malicious developers can easily abuse the system, and legitimate developers may be disproportionately harmed.
• The requirement for developer verification could lead to a loss of freedom and openness on the Android platform, making it similar to iOS.
• Some argue that the benefits of Android, such as the ability to sideload apps, are being eroded by Google's increasing control over the platform.
• Others believe that the change is not a significant issue, as users can still use alternative app stores or distributions, such as GrapheneOS, to maintain their freedom and security.
• The policy may have a negative impact on open-source development and projects like F-Droid and Termux, which rely on the ability to distribute apps outside of the Play Store.
• Some commenters think that the only way to maintain freedom on Android is through jailbreaking or using custom ROMs, while others argue that even these options may not be viable in the long term.
• There are concerns that Google's actions are a power grab, aimed at killing apps that compete with their own services, rather than a genuine attempt to improve security.
• The discussion highlights the trade-offs between security, freedom, and convenience on mobile platforms, with some arguing that iOS offers better security and others preferring Android's openness.