Android announced changes. You won’t install these applications that easily anymore

A few months ago, Google announced changes to the mechanism for installing applications on Android devices. Initially, the technology giant wanted to completely block apps from unknown sources. Ultimately, he loosened the rules a bit, but it will still be an unavailable option for ordinary users.

Google has finally shared details on how the new Android app installation system will work. First of all, each developer will have to verify themselves. To do this, you will need to submit appropriate documents, upload signing keys and pay a one-time fee of $25. Such a creator’s applications will be trusted and anyone will be able to install them.

The situation is slightly different in the case of applications from unknown and unverified sources. While Google previously said that they would be completely blocked, the company eventually decided to loosen the rules a bit. Installing such applications will be possible, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy.

The option to install applications from unknown sources will be enabled, but only in the Android developer options. These are not normally available, but fortunately, activating them is not particularly difficult and can be done on virtually any device. However, the list of requirements does not end there. In the next steps you will need to:

• Confirmation that we are not instructed by anyone, which is to minimize the risk of fraudsters who often put pressure on their victims.
• Restarting the phone and authenticating again, which also means having to disconnect any telephone conversation with the fraudster.
• Waiting for one day until the mechanism for installing applications from unknown sources is activated, which will also require another confirmation that we are also making the change (e.g. with a fingerprint, face scan or PIN). Here you will be able to enable this option for an indefinite period or only for 7 days.

Only after this, it will be possible to install applications from unknown sources and unverified developers. The changes will come into force in September 2026. Initially, only in Brazil, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, where the most fraud occurs. Later, the rules will be systematically extended to other markets.