Overview
- Google opened identity verification to every Android developer through the Play Console and the new Android Developer Console on Monday, allowing teams to register now before user-facing changes begin later this year.
- Starting in April, a new Android Developer Verifier system service delivered through Google services will check during installs whether an app is registered to a verified developer.
- User enforcement begins September 30, 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a broader global rollout planned in 2027.
- Most installs will look the same for users, while unregistered apps will require the new advanced sideloading flow or installation via the ADB developer tool.
- Play-verified developers will have eligible apps auto-registered, Android Studio will show registration status when signing builds, and free limited-distribution accounts for students and hobbyists will support sharing to up to 20 devices.