Android users here to be among first affected by Google security rule

Come September 2026, Android smartphone users in Singapore will find it more difficult to download apps from outside the Google Play Store—a process known as sideloading.

- Aqil Hamzah

In an Aug 25 post on the Android Developers Blog, the operating system's developer, Google, said that it will require all app developers to be verified for their apps to be installed on certified Android devices.

Since 2024, Play Store app developers have had to be verified to offer their apps.

The new rule essentially forces third-party app developers to also register with Google, which said it is meant to protect users from repeat bad actors spreading malware and scams.

"This change will start in a few select countries specifically impacted by these forms of fraudulent app scams, often from repeat perpetrators," said Google in the blog post.

"The scale of this threat is significant: Our recent analysis found over 50 times more malware from internet-sideloaded sources than on apps available through Google Play."

The new requirement will kick in first in Singapore, Brazil, Indonesia, and Thailand in September 2026. A worldwide roll-out will then take place from 2027, said Google.