Android users often praise the brand for offering native sideloading functionality on their devices. For those who don’t know, sideloading is the process of downloading and installing third-party apps from sources outside the official store.
While sideloading is possible with Apple iPhones, it involves a highly technical workaround that many users won’t bother with. The fact that Android allows sideloading right out of the box has always set it apart from its competition.
Thanks to an upcoming change, however, Android users will soon find it more difficult to download and install third-party apps.
However, Google’s Matthew Forsythe insists that this isn’t a ban on sideloading altogether. A recent X post reads: “It’s not a sideloading restriction, but an ‘Accountability Layer.’ Advanced users will be able to ‘Install without verifying,’ but expect a high-friction flow designed to help users understand the risks.”
Waiting for the update
Although we don’t have an exact release date, we know the change is coming soon. Forsythe posted an article on the official Android Developers Blog back in November 2025 that detailed the new developer verification requirements announced a few months prior.
The post begins by explaining why developer verification is important. As fraud, scams, and malware become more prevalent on digital platforms, Android developers are prioritizing user safety and security.
Some see the upcoming change as an added challenge for smaller developers. However, Forsythe’s post also announced a new account type meant for students and hobbyist developers. According to the post, these accounts will be able to distribute their apps — albeit on a limited basis — without passing full verification.
Finally, Android developers announced an advanced flow for their more experienced users. While this gives expert users the ability to continue downloading and installing third-party apps on their devices, it also provides specific warnings and safeguards to help protect against fraud, scams, or malware.
According to Forbes, the new update is expected to be released this year. It will be introduced on a rolling basis according to region, so some users will have access sooner than others.
Continuing the fight against malware
Malware has always been a problem, but it’s become more prevalent — and more aggressive — over the past few years. Antivirus and anti-malware software can’t protect against every online threat, especially those involving identity theft or fraud, so it’s encouraging to see a team of developers stepping up to continue the fight against malware.
Also read: Trusted Google notifications used in a phishing campaign show how easily attackers can abuse legitimate platforms to scale fraud.
