Android is introducing a new security measure called developer verification to protect users from malicious apps. This update aims to increase developer accountability by requiring all apps to be registered by verified developers for installation on certified Android devices. This process is compared to an ID check, confirming the developer's identity without reviewing app content. The initiative is a response to increasing threats, particularly from malware distributed through internet sideloading, which is significantly more prevalent than on Google Play. Developer verification will make it harder for bad actors to distribute harmful apps quickly after their removal. The verification process will be managed through a new Android Developer Console, with a separate console for student and hobbyist developers. This change will initially be rolled out in select countries heavily impacted by fraudulent app scams, including Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, starting in September 2026. The verification requirements will then be expanded globally throughout 2027 and beyond. Developers distributing apps on Google Play likely already meet these requirements through the existing Play Console process. Android remains committed to preserving user choice and app distribution freedom while enhancing overall security.