Google has announced fundamental changes in the method of installing applications on the Android system, as it will be applied next year more strict rules for what is known as Sidelock and installing applications from outside the Google Play Store.
Verify the identity of the developers is a prerequisite
According to the new update, Android users will not be allowed to install applications except from developers whose identity has been checked via the Android developer control panel, and the procedures include registration of packages of packages and applications to ensure that each copy comes from a reliable source.
Google likened this step the identity examination process at airports, where the traveler’s personality is confirmed without interfering with the contents of his bags, and the company will confirm the identity of the developers without reviewing the details of the applications themselves.
More protection from fake applications
This policy aims to prevent the spread of counterfeit or malicious applications, especially those that have the identity of sensitive banking or service applications, as Google indicates that the applications installed via side download are more likely to contain harmful software at more than 50 times compared to the applications from the “Google Play” store.
Launch schedule and gradual application
• October 2025: The start of the experimental tests of the new system.
• March 2026: The official application is widely, with the opening of the new game platform for documented developers.
September 2026: The feature first launch in major markets such as Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.
A step closer to Apple’s approach
Technical experts believe that this policy is close to Apple’s approach, which already applies a strictly achieved developer via developer and Gatekeeper’s feature on MacOS, in an effort to provide an additional layer of safety for users.
What does that mean for users?
For most Android devices that come with Google services pre -installed, installing any application from outside the store will require ensuring that its developer has passed the new verification process, while the Android phones are not approved by Google (often inside China), these rules will not apply to them.
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