The tech giant stresses that this does not mean developers can’t distribute outside of the Play Store through other app stores or via sideloading — Android will remain open in that regard. However, developers who appreciated the anonymity of alternative distribution methods will no longer have that option.

Google will soon require identification for developers outside the Play Store and will block sideloading of their apps if they do not comply.

Google is changing how Android apps are shared. Starting in 2026, all developers, even outside the Play Store, must verify their identity with Google to install apps on Android devices with Google services.