Google reveals new timeline for Android's app sideloading changes

Google announced its Android developer verification program last year to make app sideloading safer for Android users. And a few months ago, Google said that Android users would have to wait 24 hours before sideloading apps from unverified developers. Now, the company has revealed the timeline for its new sideloading changes coming to Android.

Starting this month, Google will roll out a new system service that will be automatically installed on most Android devices and will also be used to verify developer registration later this year.

In July, Google will launch the Android Developer ID Status API globally and begin early access for the Android Developer Console API. It will also start early access for limited distribution accounts on Android Developer Console. This type of Android developer account is for students, hobbyists, and learners, allowing apps to be shared with up to 20 devices without requiring a government-issued ID or a fee.

Then, in August, Google will launch limited distribution accounts and a new Android Developer Console API globally. Additionally, it will launch an advanced flow for power users for installing apps from unverified developers.

On September 30, the new developer verification protections will take effect, starting with Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. App registration will be required for participating app stores, including Google's own Play Store, Honor App Market (Honor), Oppo App Market (OPlus), Galaxy Store (Samsung), V-Appstore (vivo), Palm Store (Transsion), and GetApps (Xiaomi).

Users will be able to sideload unregistered apps with Android Debug Bridge (ADB) or advanced flow.

Timeline shared by Google for its new app sideloading changes coming to Android

In 2027, Google will expand the Android developer verification requirement globally after incorporating feedback from its partners, users, and developer community.

If you distribute apps in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand via the app stores mentioned above, you'll have to complete your verification by September.

Source