Overview

• A new Android Developers Blog FAQ confirms that apps on certified devices will need a verified developer identity and digital signature, though sideloading remains available.
• Google introduced a free limited developer account for teachers, students, and hobbyists that supports distribution to a small number of devices without submitting a government ID, while wider distribution requires full verification.
• Local building, running, and debugging via Android Studio and adb are unchanged, but sharing APKs for testing outside adb will require identity verification and package registration.
• Early access sign-ups are live, with Google saying it will begin sending participation invitations in October.
• F-Droid and other independent app store advocates warn the policy centralizes control over developer identities and could jeopardize alternative distribution, with F-Droid saying its project could end under the current rules.