this post was submitted on 18 Feb 2026
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Android

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[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 1 points 13 hours ago (2 children)

Did you actually read it? That's not what it says at all.

[–] Auli@lemmy.ca 1 points 4 hours ago

I mean what they pasted here sure sounds like that us what it says.

[–] cowfodder@lemmy.world 1 points 12 hours ago (1 children)

Sure did. Did you?

"Empowering experienced users

While security is crucial, we’ve also heard from developers and power users who have a higher risk tolerance and want the ability to download unverified apps.

Based on this feedback and our ongoing conversations with the community, we are building a new advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn't verified. We are designing this flow specifically to resist coercion, ensuring that users aren't tricked into bypassing these safety checks while under pressure from a scammer. It will also include clear warnings to ensure users fully understand the risks involved, but ultimately, it puts the choice in their hands. We are gathering early feedback on the design of this feature now and will share more details in the coming months. "

[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 4 points 12 hours ago* (last edited 12 hours ago) (1 children)

As I said earlier, only a vague mention of an "advanced flow" that's still in the works. Nothing saying they are no longer going to require distributors to register with Google, but it does say that they will require it on Google's own website:

Starting in September 2026, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed on certified Android devices

[–] Pika@sh.itjust.works 1 points 10 hours ago* (last edited 10 hours ago) (1 children)

Just adding in, The Android developer page does clarify this problem. It will be a default on and will require the user going out of their way to turn it off.

They have a direct question there labeled as the following.

If I want to modify an app and install it on my own device, or if I'm a power user, is there a way to turn this verification requirement off

And then the response is as follows.

We understand this is an important use case for many developers and power users. While the verification requirement itself is a core OS feature to help protect the broader ecosystem from malware and can't be turned off, we plan to offer two paths for experienced users to install unverified apps:

  • Advanced flow: We are building a flow that allows experienced users to proceed with installing an unverified app after going through a series of clear warnings. This new mode is designed to resist social engineering, helping users fully understand the risks, but ultimately gives experienced users the choice to accept the heightened security risk and install the software. We are gathering early feedback on the design of this feature now and will share more details in the coming months.
  • Android Debug Bridge (ADB): Developers and power users can still use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to build, test, and install modified or unverified apps on their own devices, which remains the standard method for development work.

Honestly, it doesn't seem all that different than how fdroid is currently configured on Google. I expect that you'll have to enable an option on top of the unofficial sources toggle that also states unverified apps.

Being as they also specify what the Android debugging bridge is as a second bullet point, I expect that it's not going to be through ADB like a lot of people were worried about as well.

[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 1 points 4 hours ago

I hope you're right