Android developer certification is coming soon; Google has released the timeline and supported app stores.
Google has announced that it will introduce 'Developer Verification' starting in 2025, which will require Android app developers to register their personal information with Google and prevent users from easily installing apps from unregistered developers. As this implementation is about to begin, Google has released a timeline.
Android Developers Blog: Android developer verification: Building a safer ecosystem together
One of Android's key features is the ability to freely download and install apps from sources other than the official app store. This has fostered the development of a wide variety of apps that are not bound by the rules of the official app store.
However, installing apps from external sources always carries security risks. Recognizing the increased risk of malware due to allowing external app installations, Google announced in August 2025 the introduction of 'Developer Verification,' which requires all developers to register their personal information to improve security.
With the full implementation of developer authentication, Android will compare app information with information registered with Google during installation, and block installation if they do not match. While this will not affect regular apps as before, users who build and install their own apps will be prevented from doing so by this mechanism.
Following the announcement of developer authentication, criticism arose that users would experience inconvenience as described above, that the burden on independent developers would increase, and that competition would be stifled by Google's control over all apps. As a solution, Google announced an authentication bypass feature called 'Advanced Flow,' which, although the procedure is somewhat complex, allows for the installation of unauthenticated apps. In addition, apps can also be installed without authentication using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
Google announces details of 'Advanced Flow,' enabling secure APK sideloading on Android - GIGAZINE
Developer authentication and information registration began in March 2026, and it is said that millions of apps have already been registered.
In June 2026, the 'Android Developer Verifier' app (package name: com.google.android.verifier) will be automatically installed on almost all Android devices for authentication purposes.
In July 2026, the 'Android Developer ID Status API' will be released, which allows users to check if a package name is already registered. Early access to 'Limited Distribution Accounts' in the Android Developer Console will also begin. Limited Distribution Accounts are designed for students, hobbyists, and learners, and allow them to share apps on up to 20 devices without requiring official identification or fees.
In August 2026, we will launch a limited distribution account and the 'Android Developer Console API,' an API that allows you to register and manage package names directly from within the development environment, worldwide. Advanced Flow will also launch around the same time.
On September 30, 2026, the initial rollout of developer certification will begin in seven stores and in four countries: Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
The following stores are included. The system will verify the installation status from these stores.
Google Play
・HONOR App Market
OPPO App Market
Galaxy Store
Palm Store
・V-Appstore
GetApps
Developer certification is planned to expand globally by 2027.
Google announced, 'If you are distributing your app in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand, please complete verification by the September deadline. Thank you for helping us build a more secure Android ecosystem. Stay tuned for further updates as we move towards a global rollout in September and 2027.'
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in Software, Smartphone, Posted by log1p_kr