Google blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps: Difference between revisions
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The rollout will proceed in stages: | The rollout will proceed in stages: | ||
* '''October 2025:''' Early access program for select developers. | *'''October 2025:''' Early access program for select developers. | ||
* '''March 2026:''' Verification opens for all developers worldwide. | *'''March 2026:''' Verification opens for all developers worldwide. | ||
* '''September 2026:''' Enforcement begins in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand <ref name=":0" />. | *'''September 2026:''' Enforcement begins in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand <ref name=":0" />. | ||
* '''2027:''' Targeted global rollout, eventually covering nearly all certified Android devices <ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />. | *'''2027:''' Targeted global rollout, eventually covering nearly all certified Android devices <ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />. | ||
The new system applies to '''certified Android devices'''; phones and tablets that ship with Google Mobile Services (e.g., Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi). Devices running '''uncertified AOSP builds''' or custom ROMs (e.g., GrapheneOS, LineageOS) are not subject to this restriction <ref name=":2" />. However, uncertified devices often face app compatibility issues due to SafetyNet/Play Integrity checks <ref name=":2" />. | The new system applies to '''certified Android devices'''; phones and tablets that ship with Google Mobile Services (e.g., Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi). Devices running '''uncertified AOSP builds''' or custom ROMs (e.g., GrapheneOS, LineageOS) are not subject to this restriction <ref name=":2" />. However, uncertified devices often face app compatibility issues due to SafetyNet/Play Integrity checks <ref name=":2" />. | ||
==Google's response== | |||
Google framed the change as a necessary '''security measure''' to reduce malware, fraud, and impersonation. The company stated that malware is '''50× more common outside the Play Store''' and that anonymity allows bad actors to evade accountability <ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />. Suzanne Frey, VP of Product for Android, likened the change to an '''ID check at the airport''': verifying who the developer is without inspecting app content <ref name=":0" />. | Google framed the change as a necessary '''security measure''' to reduce malware, fraud, and impersonation. The company stated that malware is '''50× more common outside the Play Store''' and that anonymity allows bad actors to evade accountability <ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />. Suzanne Frey, VP of Product for Android, likened the change to an '''ID check at the airport''': verifying who the developer is without inspecting app content <ref name=":0" />. | ||