Safer Android Apps Ahead: New Developer Rules Launching in September

Google is adding new requirements for Android app developers to make sideloading apps on Android devices safer and more secure. For those unfamiliar with the term, sideloading is the process of installing apps outside of the official Play Store. It has always been a potential risk for users because it can open the door to malware or fraud. With the new rules, Google aims to give users more protection.

From September 2026, any developer who wants to distribute apps outside of the Play Store will need to complete a new identity verification process. This verification is done through the updated Android Developer Console. Developers will need to prove their identity before their apps can be installed on devices. Google is also launching an early access program in October 2025. It will allow developers to sign up and complete the process ahead of the wider rollout in March 2026.

The goal of these changes is twofold. First, it makes developers more accountable for their apps. With the new rules, Google can reduce the number of fraudulent or malicious apps being shared outside the Play Store. Second, it provides Android users with better security. Devices that come with Android Services, the Play Store, and Play Services preinstalled will be able to block apps from developers who haven’t verified their identity. It helps prevent harmful apps from running on users’ phones.

For devs, this means planning. Those who rely on sideloading to distribute apps will need to make sure they complete the verification process in time. For users, it’s a positive step toward safer app experiences, reducing the risk of installing apps from unknown sources.

Overall, Google’s new requirements are part of a broader effort to improve security in the Android ecosystem. By combining developer accountability with user protections, Android is aiming to make sideloading safer without limiting the freedom to install apps outside the Play Store.