Android is strengthening its ecosystem security with developer verification, a program launched last year to deter malicious actors by requiring developer registration. Millions of apps have already been registered, covering a significant portion of app installations. New verification protections will go into effect on September 30, 2026, initially in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, across seven major app stores. This initiative aims to create a safer app environment across the industry. To streamline the process, new APIs are being introduced to enable bulk app registration and direct integration into CI/CD pipelines. The Android Developer ID Status API will check existing registrations, while the Android Developer Console API will allow direct management of package names. These APIs will support OAuth delegation for third-party platforms. A new system service will be installed on most Android devices starting in June 2026 to facilitate developer verification. Limited distribution accounts for students and hobbyists will be available globally in August 2026. An advanced flow for installing apps from unverified developers will also launch in August, including security checkpoints. Following a phased rollout and feedback, the Android verification requirement will expand globally in 2027. Developers distributing in the initial four countries are urged to complete verification by the September deadline.