Starting September 2026, Google will block apps from unverified developers on certified Android devices to fight malware, with a global rollout in 2027. Developers must complete identity verification to distribute apps.
What's Actually Changing

Developer Verification Required

Google is introducing a developer identity verification program for anyone distributing Android apps—whether through the Play Store, third-party stores, or sideloading. This means developers need to verify their identity with Google (providing legal name, address, email, possibly government ID, etc.) before their apps can be installed on certified Android devices.

What Doesn’t Change

This is not a content review—apps won't be judged or censored. Google simply wants to know who's distributing them to make it harder for malicious actors to distribute malware anonymously.

Clarifying the Misconception

• It's not a ban on unverified apps across the board—the critical change is that unverified apps will be blocked on certified devices from mid-2026 in select regions.
• If you download apps only via the Play Store, nothing changes for you—Play Store developers are already verified.
• Apps from independent developers distributed outside the Play Store will still be allowed, but only if the developer has completed verification.

Final Take
So, no — Google isn't outright banning all unverified apps in 2026. Instead, starting September 2026, apps from unverified developers will be blocked—but only on certified Android devices in certain regions (Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand). The initiative expands gradually and globally in 2027.