Google will soften the rules: experienced users will retain the ability to install Android applications from third-party sources

Google announced an adjustment to its previously presented plan for mandatory verification of all Android application developers, including those who distribute software outside the Play Store. The initial initiative drew significant criticism because it could limit the installation of third-party applications.

Now the company says it is preparing a separate mechanism that will allow “power users” to continue installing software from unverified developers while maintaining a high level of security.

What will change in Google's policy and why it caused controversy

In August, Google introduced xrust, a new system of mandatory identity verification for all Android developers. Under the plan, each developer would be required to provide a full name, address, phone number, email and, in some cases, government-issued identification. These requirements apply not only to the Play Store, but also to developers who distribute applications directly — through APK files or alternative stores.

Criticism from the community

The initiative caused a negative reaction from a number of organizations advocating the openness of Android. Among them:

Who opposed

• campaign Keep Android Open
• free software repository F‑Droid
• independent developers and enthusiasts

In their opinion, mandatory verification limits the freedom of users and developers, and can also lead to the disappearance of independent application sources. Representatives from F‑Droid said that such measures would “deprive people of the ability to choose what software they want to run on their devices.”

Google makes concessions and creates a mechanism for advanced users

Despite criticism, Google is not abandoning the implementation of the verification system. Moreover, early access to the new scheme has already been launched. However, the company is adding an important exception: it is developing an “enhanced process” that will allow power users to make their own decisions about installing apps from unverified developers.

How the new process will work

class=»notranslate»>__GTAG5__ Google emphasizes that the new mechanism will include:

Key elements of the process class=»notranslate»>__GTAG10__

• additional protection measures against forced installation of malicious applications
• warnings about the risks associated with untested software
• tools to prevent fraud
• the ability to make an informed choice for users who understand technical risks

Thus, Google seeks to maintain a balance between security and freedom to install applications, without closing the Android ecosystem completely.

New type of accounts for students and amateurs

The company is also working on creating a separate type of developer account aimed at students, beginners and enthusiasts. Such an account:

Features of the new account

• will not require full identity verification
• will allow applications to be installed only on a limited number of devices
• will be intended for training, testing and experimentation

This move should lower the barrier to entry for aspiring developers who want to learn Android development but aren't ready to go through the full vetting process.

Google's position: security comes first

Android President Samir Samat, in a statement on Platform X, emphasized that the main goal of the changes is to combat fraud and malicious applications. In his words:

“Fraudsters use anonymity to scale their attacks. If we block a malicious app, they can create a new one and try again. Verification makes it harder for malware to spread again and makes attacks more expensive.”

Samat also noted that Google has received a lot of feedback from users and developers. Among them are requests to preserve the ability to install third-party applications for power users and to allow students access to development tools without strict verification.

When the changes take effect

Google plans to introduce mandatory identity verification of developers in stages:

Implementation timeline class=»notranslate»>__GTAG10__

1. 2026 — launch in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand
2. 2027 — global dissemination of requirements

The company emphasizes that gradual implementation will allow developers to adapt to the new rules.

Context: other major changes in the Android ecosystem

Changes in the verification policy are not the only reforms that Google is preparing for Android. The company recently reached an agreement with Epic Games to end the litigation, which will lead to:

What will change

• reducing commissions for developers
• easing payment rules within applications
• the emergence of official «registered» third-party application stores

However, an agreement is still pending court approval.

These steps could significantly change the Android app market, increasing competition between stores and expanding opportunities for independent developers.

What does this mean for users and developers

For ordinary users, the changes will be almost invisible: the Play Store will remain the main and safe source of applications. However, experienced users will retain the ability to install software from third-party sources, and novice developers will have a more accessible path to the profession.

For Google, this is an attempt to find a compromise between security, openness and pressure from regulators and the community.

Xrust Google will relax the rules: experienced users will retain the ability to install Android applications from third-party sources