I got this interesting popup on my phone recently.
To paraphrase their website, Starting September 2026, a silent update by Google, will block every Android app whose developer hasn't registered with Google, signed their contract, paid up, and handed over government ID.
That site talks about if you have an app that you develop, and want to have it in the Play store, the following requirements need to be met.
Registration requires:
Paying a fee to Google
Agreeing to Google's Terms and Conditions
Surrendering your government-issued identification
Providing evidence of your private signing key
Listing all current and all future application identifiers
I get Google’s position about security, but this policy seems like anything but “Elevating Android security to keep it open and safe”.
I have found over the years Android has become more like iOS and iOS has become more like Android. This change seams to be inevitable for the trend to continue, and in typical Android fashion is less severe than what Apple has already been doing for years.
If the Apple ecosystem can thrive with these changes already, so can Android.
Oh, no, it's definitely happening. Google is locking Android down. Already a lot of talk about what it means in the cybersecurity arena. Just more of Google doing what Google does, messing with stuff for no one’s benefit but their own. I find it funny that as Apple is slowly being forced to open their ecosystem in the global markets, Google is quietly closing theirs.
I was thinking of apps like @jpage4500 HD+ app for Hubitat when I saw this. I don't want to put words into anyone's mouth, but I wonder how they would feel about these fees and the inconvienence of all this when it is largely a generous gift to the community and not for profit.
I use the open source Transistor app for music, and the open source NewPipe to watch Youtube videos and open source Lawnchair Launcher on my phone. I wonder what the future of projects like these are? They are invaluable apps that de-Google or debloat or remove oppressive ads from the Android experience.
But Android was always open from the beginning, not like Apple who started out that way. That is why many chose Android , because it wasn't locked down like Apple was.
I think this is the root cause. Just like Youtube messing with NewPipe and Freetube and other Youtube video players just to break those 3rd party much improved players.
In the beginning, none of us could walk or talk or type snarky remarks in online forms, but we all changed. I’m pretty sure not everyone was happy with the changes we made as we made them . Change maybe hard but the only things that dont change are dead.
Do they still allow side-loading? That has always been a feature that is more open than Apple. It is one thing to limit what can be in the app store, but if side-loading is still allowed, I don’t see this being such a big deal for the user… but more of a hit on developers who want their app in the app store.
what happens for apps already installed on your phone that are no longer supported ? I have a few will they still work? I assume you just cannot reinstall from app store as they will no longer be there?
AFAIK, side loading will still be available, but there are a couple of flows:
If author of app has identified themselves/app w/Google, normal side loading
If author has not:
TL;DR: The 5-Step Process for Unverified Apps:
Enable Developer Mode: Standard procedure—tap the "Build Number" in System Settings 7 times.
Anti-Coaching Alert: A mandatory system check asking if you are currently on a call with someone instructing you to install the app.
Mandatory Restart: You must reboot the device. This is designed to kill any active remote-access sessions or scam calls.
24-Hour Cooling-Off Period: After the reboot, a timer starts. You cannot tap "Install" until 24 hours have passed. This is a one-time requirement per device to break the "false sense of urgency" used by scammers.
Final Installation: Once the 24 hours are up, the sideloading restriction is lifted for that device.
From what I have read this whole thing is a one time process as described in the above post. I understand it as side loaded apps will still run as they always have, you will have to allow them (as before) but it will take 24 hours the first time if you don't open up the process ahead of time.
. Change maybe hard but the only things that dont change are dead.