app distribution Archives

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Google to require identity verification for all Android app developers from next year

Google will require identity verification for all developers distributing apps on Android devices starting in 2026, initially in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global rollout planned for 2027. Developers must provide personal information such as their legal name, address, email, and phone number, and may need to submit a government ID. This change primarily affects those distributing apps outside the Google Play Store and aims to reduce malware and scams by preventing banned developers from returning under new identities.

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Sideloading apps onto Android phones from random sources won’t be an option starting in 2026

Google will implement a new identity verification requirement for developers distributing apps outside the Google Play Store starting in September 2026, targeting regions like Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. A revamped Android Developer Console will be introduced to facilitate this process, including a lighter version for hobbyists and students. Developers will need to create accounts, verify their identities, and register app package names for apps outside the Google Play ecosystem. Developers using the existing Play Console will not be affected. Since the identity verification on the Play Store began in 2023, Google has seen a decrease in fraudulent applications and financial scams. The impact of this new policy may be minimal for average users but could lead to significant discussions among those who use third-party app stores or download directly from developers' websites.

TrendTechie

August 27, 2025

Apple без объяснения причин удалила популярный торрент-клиент iTorrent из сторонних магазинов приложений в Европе

Apple has revoked the distribution rights of the torrent client iTorrent for the European market, resulting in its removal from the AltStore PAL. iTorrent, created by Daniil Vinogradov, had been available for download since July 2024 without issues. Apple has a policy against allowing torrent clients on iOS devices, which has now been reinforced. The company has not provided a clear explanation to Vinogradov regarding the ban, and there have been no further updates since their initial assurance to investigate the matter.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Google to require developer identity checks for sideloaded Android apps

Beginning in September 2026, Google will require Android developers in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand to verify their identities before distributing apps outside the Play Store. Developers must provide personal information such as their legal name, address, email, phone number, and possibly a government-issued ID. This requirement will expand globally in 2027, affecting all sideloaded applications. Developers already verified through the Play Store will not need additional checks. Google is creating a dedicated Android Developer Console for those distributing apps outside the Play Store and will offer a free verification option for student and hobbyist creators. Early access programs for developers will start in October 2025.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Google Will Require Developer Verification Even For Sideloading

Google has announced a new requirement for developer verification for all applications installed on certified Android devices, starting with a trial phase in October 2025 and full accessibility for developers by March 2026. The verification process will begin in September 2026 for select Google-certified devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, with a global rollout planned for 2027. Developers will need to submit a scan of a government-issued ID and contact information. This initiative aims to enhance security but may limit the appeal of Android for hobbyists and open-source developers.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Android app developers will soon need to verify identity to distribute apps outside Play Store

Google will require app developers to undergo a verification process starting in September 2026 to distribute apps outside the Google Play Store. An early access program for developers will begin in October 2025, with a broader rollout planned for March 2026. Developers will use a new Android Developer Console to verify their identities, enabling Android devices to block apps from unverified developers.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google To Start Verifying All Android App Developers

Google is implementing changes that will allow the installation of Android apps from sources beyond the Google Play Store due to a legal ruling from an antitrust case with Epic Games. This shift will introduce stringent measures requiring developers to meet Google's standards for app installation, potentially challenging hobbyist developers. The new regulations aim to reduce malware from non-Google Play sources, enhancing user safety, but may impact accessibility.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google will verify Android developers distributing apps outside the Play store

Android developers distributing applications through third-party app stores will be required to undergo identity verification by Google starting in September 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global rollout expected in 2027. Developers must submit personal information, including legal name, address, email, and phone number, and may need to provide a government-issued ID. This change primarily affects developers outside the Google Play Store, as identity verification is already standard for those using it. Google aims to enhance security and reduce malware risks through this initiative. The company plans to create a separate Android developer console for non-commercial developers, imposing restrictions on apps and installations. Google is inviting developers to sign up for early access to the new rules and provide feedback before the official launch.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google Will Verify Android App Developers Outside Play Store

Google will implement a comprehensive identity verification system for all app developers on its Android platform starting next year. This system aims to enhance security by ensuring all developers are identifiable, thus reducing risks associated with malware. The verification will apply to all applications, including those distributed outside the Google Play Store, but developers can still use alternative channels. Google will retain developer data for accountability. An internal survey indicated that 50 times more malware comes from sources outside the Play Store. The verification system will have early access in October this year, with a full rollout scheduled for March 2026 and a phased implementation beginning in September 2026 in select countries. Developers will need to submit their official names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers as part of the process.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google introduces mandatory verification for Android apps

Google will require all applications installed on certified Android devices to originate from verified developers starting in 2026. This applies to apps downloaded from the Play Store, alternative app stores, or sideloaded. The initiative is in response to a rise in attacks targeting personal and financial information, with sideloading identified as a high-risk method for malware distribution. Developers will need to submit their official name, address, email, and phone number for verification. A new Android Developer Console will be introduced for developers distributing outside the Play Store, and a tailored account type will be available for students and hobby developers. The rollout will begin in phases, with early access in October 2025 and a broader rollout in March 2026, extending to additional countries by September 2026 and globally by 2027. Developers will still be able to sideload or use alternative app stores.