A major change awaits Android users starting in 2026!
Google has
finally announced the launch of a new verification mechanism for Android app
developers, a move aimed at enhancing security and maintaining an open and safe
environment for developers and users. The new initiative adds a very strong
additional layer of protection that prevents malicious actors from distributing
malicious apps and increases the reliability of apps available on Android
devices.
Starting in
September 2026, verified developers will be required to register all their apps
before users can install them on approved devices. Google has already begun
opening early access to the Android Developer Console and Play Console, with
the trial scheduled to be rolled out by March 2026.
The new
verification steps:
The new
system requires developers to go through two main stages:
Identity
verification: This includes providing their legal name, address, email address,
and phone number, with the possibility of requesting additional documents such
as a government-issued ID. Businesses must also provide a D-U-N-S number and
confirm their official website.
App
Registration: Prove ownership of apps by providing their package names and
signing keys.
Flexibility
across different categories
For developers
using Google Play, their apps will be automatically registered based on the
information previously provided, making the process seamless and easy.
Developers
distributing their apps outside the Google Play Store will have to register
manually.
Google also
confirmed that it will provide a special account type for amateur and student
developers, with the goal of keeping its Android system an open platform for
experimentation and learning.
Benefits for
Early Participants
Developers
who join early will receive an invitation to an exclusive forum, priority
support, and the opportunity to provide feedback and contribute to the
development of the experience.
- August 2025: Announcement of new requirements.
- October 2025: Beginning of pre-launch availability with gradual invitations.
- March 2026: Opening of verification to all developers.
- September 2026: Implementation of the requirement begins in Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore.
- 2027 and
beyond: Gradually expanding to the rest of the world.
With this change, Google reaffirms its commitment to making Android more secure, while continuing to support it as an open platform that enables innovation and experimentation for both developers and users.
