Google’s new Android developer verification system is coming this September, as the company has shared more details about the timeline. This new system is aimed at making sideloading apps on Android devices safer for everyone, as this is typically how malware gets installed on devices.
Google says that most users won’t notice any immediate changes, but we do get a clearer picture of how Google plans to tighten app security without completely eliminating sideloading. This is something that the Android community has been very vocal about.
Earlier this year, Google unveiled a new advanced flow for sideloading apps from unverified developers that includes a mandatory 24-hour lock and multiple steps during installation. The reason for this is to let Android users know who is behind the app before the user installs it.
Changes rolling out this month
There are some changes that will start rolling out this month. Google will be rolling out a new system service to Android devices that will eventually verify whether an app comes from a registered developer. Users may see this appear on their phone automatically through a Google System Update, but it won’t affect any app installs just yet.
September 30, app registration requirements will begin for users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. This initial rollout will cover apps distributed through several major app stores, which will include Google Play, Samsung Galaxy Store, Xiaomi GetApps, HONOR App Market, OPPO App Market, vivo V-Appstore, and Palm Store.
Google wants everyone to know that sideloading is not going away; power users will still be able to sideload their favorite APKs whenever they want. This specific change is really targeting those who are not power users and might be goaded into installing something they shouldn’t. Essentially, Google is looking to make sideloading safer for the billions of Android users out there.
The post Android’s New Developer Verification System Is Coming Sooner Than You Think appeared first on Android Headlines.
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