Overview

• Google says sideloading will continue on Android‑certified devices, but only apps digitally signed by verified developers will install, and certificates can be revoked to disable associated apps.
• Android will query an on‑device Developer Verifier that may require a network connection for lesser‑known apps, with cached allowances for popular titles and a possible pre‑auth token path for third‑party stores.
• The company confirmed a paid verification option mirroring the $25 Play registration and a no‑fee email‑only tier for hobbyists with tight distribution limits, and it will not publish a public list of sideload developers.
• Local building, debugging, and testing via Android Studio and adb remain unchanged, while broader distribution and test groups will require verification and package registration.
• Google has begun detailing implementation ahead of pilots, with reporting indicating a rollout targeted to start around September 2026 and expand to eligible devices through 2027, drawing objections from F‑Droid and other open‑source distributors.