Changes are on the horizon for Android users regarding the installation of applications outside the familiar confines of the Google Play Store. Last summer, Google raised concerns within the Android community, announcing that starting in 2026, developers would be required to register even when releasing apps intended for sideloading. This initial stance faced considerable backlash, prompting Google to revise its approach. The tech giant ultimately agreed to provide a pathway for informed users, allowing for an “advanced” installation flow that accommodates unverified applications.
Preparations Underway
As anticipation builds around the implementation of this new system, early signs of its arrival are beginning to surface. Recent updates to Google Play, specifically version 49.7.20-29, reveal text strings that reference verified installations and the option to proceed without verification. However, questions linger about whether these updates genuinely represent the “advanced flow” that Google has hinted at.
Among the newly identified messages is a cautionary note regarding the risks associated with installing apps from unverified developers. Users may encounter prompts such as:
Install without verifying
If you install without verifying, keep in mind apps from unverified developers may put your device and data at risk.
Can't verify app developer
No internet, can't verify app developer
The app can't be verified at the momentThese messages suggest a process that necessitates an active internet connection for developer verification. In the absence of connectivity, users will be alerted that the status of the app developer cannot be confirmed. Furthermore, there appears to be an option to proceed with installation despite the lack of verification, although the robustness of this new workflow remains uncertain.
While the explicit warnings about potential risks are a step in the right direction, they do not seem significantly different from the existing notifications encountered when enabling installations from unknown sources. As Google gears up to launch this new system, there remains ample opportunity to refine the user experience, ensuring that individuals cannot bypass critical warnings when installing potentially dubious applications.
Google’s rollout plan includes introducing this program to users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with an anticipated start date in September of this year. As the timeline progresses, the tech community watches closely, eager for clarity on how this new sideloading process will function in practice.
