Google won't allow you to install Android apps whose developers' identity Google hasn't verified. Starting in 2026 in some countries and in 2027 everywhere: https://www.androidauthority.com/android-developer-verification-requirements-3590911/
Google wants to make sideloading Android apps safer by verifying developers’ identities

Google wants to make sideloading safer on Android by verifiying the identities of developers who distribute apps outside the Play Store.

Android Authority

We need to fight Google's new ID requirement for app developers. It isn't like showing ID at the airport. More like showing it at the printing press and only IDed authors are allowed to print books.

What Google doesn't talk about is that they build this ID system to ban developers and their apps.

Unfortunately, developers on Google Play are already used to this system and people have accepted Apple, so I this will be a hard fight. Digital ecosystems being closed "to keep us safe" isn't seen as a bad thing.

People saying "But I use a degoogled custom ROM, so I won't be affected" are missing the point. Apps not on Google Play are already a niche. Banning them on most people's devices is a big issue, even if some people can still escape.

Also the general trend of Google becoming more closed may make even custom ROMs impossible eventually.

In the past, when books were censored and forbidden, people could still print them in their basements and spread them. Everybody who got their hands on one, could read it. This won't be possible anymore in our new digital age.

Under-reported detail: If you don't pay a fee to Google, they limit how many people can install your apps and how many apps you are allowed to have.

Source: https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/android-developer-console

Android developer verification  |  Android Developers

Android Developers

Google asks what we think of their plans to block Android app installs outside of Google Play (unless the developers let Google verify their identity and pay a fee).

Want to tell them your opinion, just submit this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN3UQeNspQsZCO2ITkdzMxv81rJDEGGjO-UIDDY28Rz_GEVA/viewform?usp=dialog

Android developer verification requirements

Use this form to submit questions or feedback about the new Android developer verification requirements announced in August 2025. You can learn more about the requirements in the Android developer verification guide. Sign up for early access here.

Google Docs
The @commonsguy has some uncomfortable Questions About Android Developer Verification for Google: https://commonsware.com/blog/2025/08/26/uncomfortable-questions-android-developer-verification.html
Uncomfortable Questions About Android Developer Verification

Google announced a program that is proving to be unpopular among Android app development experts. I have questions.

CommonsWare: Android App Development Books
Android published new APIs that seem to confirm that your phone will phone home when you install apps. It will refuse installation when you are offline or developer got blocked by Google:
https://developer.android.com/reference/android/content/pm/PackageInstaller#DEVELOPER_VERIFICATION_FAILED_REASON_NETWORK_UNAVAILABLE
PackageInstaller  |  API reference  |  Android Developers

Android Developers
@grote because the eu will surely like this... well they at least allow sideloading using adb