Google is making major changes to how apps are installed on certified Android devices. This affects nearly all Android phones with Google services, while devices running non-Google versions of Android—mostly found outside China—are not included.
Starting October 2025, Google will begin testing a new system where only apps with verified identities can be installed. By March 2026, all developers will be able to access this verification system. Initial rollouts will happen in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand by September 2026. A global launch is targeted for 2027.
This shift is happening amid ongoing legal challenges to Google’s app distribution. The Epic Games antitrust case recently ruled against Google, requiring changes to how it operates the Play Store. The court has ordered Google to allow the use of third-party app stores and to let apps be hosted elsewhere. This could expand options for users, but it comes with risks, especially concerning security.
Experts warn that third-party repositories often spread malware, which raises questions about user safety. While more choices are good, sideloading apps from less secure sources means users may forgo the security measures that come with the Play Store. Google’s new verification requirement could be a way to maintain some level of control while still offering more options.
As for security, it’s unclear how strictly Google will enforce these new requirements. The current documentation does not detail what will happen if users attempt to install unverified apps or how devices will check for app verification. Insights from tech experts suggest it’s likely that Google will implement these checks through Play Services as the rollout date approaches.
In the coming years, as these changes unfold, the landscape of app distribution on Android could look quite different. Keeping an eye on how developers and users react to these shifts will be crucial, as user safety and app accessibility continue to evolve.
