Android’s controversial new sideloading rules are officially here
Google’s developer verification rules have reached their first Android users.
Google has officially introduced new sideloading rules for Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, starting September 30. These rules require apps from participating stores to be installed only by verified developers on certified Android devices. While sideloading unregistered apps remains an option through Google's advanced flow, it now comes with increased friction.
Android has long been praised for its freedom to install apps from any source, a feature iPhone users do not enjoy. Although Google is not eliminating this freedom entirely, the new verification rules mark the first step in adding more barriers for Android users in the four countries listed. Certified devices running Android 7 or newer will only be able to install apps from participating stores that are registered to verified developers, with the initial list of stores including Google Play, Galaxy Store, HONOR App Market, OPPO App Market, Xiaomi GetApps, vivo V-Appstore, and Transsion's Palm Store.
Written by urgent.news from Android Authority's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
