Android 16 verification trouble
I saw here https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/10/google-confirms-android-dev-verification...
Starting from Android 16, google wants to annoy small developers with verification and possibly paying a fee.
If that's confirmed i stop developping for Android and continue on Windows only.
Yes. It's a nightmare.
Google has been playing god for some time - and they are trying to overreach this by insisting only games registered at Google Play Store can be downloaded on Google & Android-enabled phones from next year - much like Apple does.
I think it will give them way too much power and in my personal experience they do not apply that power fairly.
We need a new operating system for cell phones - not Apple, not Android.
Samsung had Tizen, but it never got much traction where I live. Huawei has Harmony OS that appears to be doing well.
I never started developping on Iphone because of that.
On Windows Store they want your ID Card foto so i also gave up.
Now i stop doing anything for android until that's clear.
Pure Windows PC development is still free, sure Linux too but few people use that.
What i find especially annoying is that they can block all your applications just because a silly antivirus flags you by mistake or because someone at google doesn't like you. That's too much of a gamble to work for months on something and then have it blocked.
As far as I know, this is confirmed (I received the email from Google). All certified Android devices will only be able to install signed apps. To sign an app yourself, you need to be registered as a developer (you have to pay a fee to sign up). Now, Google requires you to prove ID and your real address. Not only that, but your real physical address will be published in their records.
DEVELOPER UPDATE
Hello Google Play Developer,
We’re writing to update you that Google will be introducing new Android requirements for developers to verify their identity and app ownership. Android is adding another layer of security to make installing apps safer for everyone and better protect users from malware and scams. As a developer distributing Android apps through Google Play, you will be required to follow these requirements and can complete them through the Play Console.
New Android developer verification requirements
Apps must be registered by verified developers in order to be installed on certified Android devices, which are devices that use Google apps or services.
First, developers must verify their identity. Most Play developers have already completed their identity verification on Play Console, so you won't need to do this again.
Then, developers can register their apps by using their signing keys to provide ownership.
This will automatically be handled for the majority of apps distributed on Play, for developers who have already shared their app signing keys in Play Console.
For other apps, you'll need to use your signing keys to prove that you own the apps.
Timeline
October 2025: Early access begins and invitations will gradually roll out.
March 2026: Verification opens for all developers.
September 2026: Consumers using certified Android devices will only be able to install registered apps from verified developers in Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.
