Google will allow “experienced users” to continue downloading Android apps

Google says it’s watering down its plan to require every Android developer — even outside the Play Store — to verify their identity, a move that critics have warned could end sideloading for good. The company now says it is developing a workflow to allow “experienced users” to install apps from unverified developers.

Verification was mandatory for developers even outside the official Play Store It was first announced last AugustDevelopers will be asked to provide their legal name, address, email, phone number, and in some cases to upload a government ID. It has drawn criticism from groups such as Keep your Android campaign open The open source application repository F-Droid, Who argued The move “ends the ability of individuals to choose what software they run on the devices they own.”

This plan is still ongoing, however Early access to the verification system It launched yesterday, but Google made an important concession. The company says it is now developing “an advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing unverified software.” This installation path will include safeguards to protect people who are forced into installing a dangerous app, or tricked by a scammer, along with “clear warnings to ensure users fully understand the risks involved.”

Google is also working on a new type of developer account for students and hobbyists, which will not have to pass “full verification requirements,” but will only allow the app to be installed on a “limited number of devices.”

“Keeping users safe on Android is our top priority,” said Android President Sameer Samat Written on X. “Craftmers rely on anonymity to scale their attacks. Currently, if we block a bad app, they can often create a new app and try again. Verification stops this ‘whack-a-mole’ cycle by requiring a real identity – which makes it more difficult and expensive to distribute malicious apps. This is an important change but we announced it early to get input. We’ve received some really good feedback: students need a path to learning, and users, especially power users, want to take on more Risk in what they install We’re making changes to address both.

Developer Verification will roll out in 2026 to developers in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, before rolling out globally in 2027. And that’s not the only big change on the horizon for Android: Google has I made a deal with Epic To end the lawsuit, which will see Android cut developer fees, relax rules around payment methods, and introduce official “registered” third-party app stores, though that deal still stands. Waiting for approval From the judge handling the case.