Downloading apps from an official app store helps to avoid dodgy  software. The obstacles that can stand in the way of  developers getting their apps into the likes of the Google Play Store, however, means that sideloading remains incredibly popular. Sideloaded apps – those downloaded from unofficial sources – can be safe, but it is

Google is preparing to change how apps reach Android users, and this time the focus is not just on the Play Store. Starting next year, the company will require every developer to go through an identity check, even those who publish their apps through sideloading or third-party stores. It doesn’t mean sideloading is going away.

Installing apps from outside of the official app store is one of Android’s biggest advantages over iOS, but it seems like Google is about to make that process way more difficult. The company announced today that, soon, virtually all Android users will be able to install only apps from verified developers.Google’s so-called “development verification requirement”

The Chinese EV leader is making waves with record sales, a strong grip on its home market, and ambitious global plans. BYD Company ADR (BYDDY -1.15%) is suddenly everywhere in investor conversations — and for good reason. The Chinese automaker just crossed the $100 billion revenue mark, kept profits growing through a bruising price war,

Even on official app stores, you need to be careful what you download. Case in point, 77 malicious apps with a combined total of 19 million installs were found spreading malware on the Google Play Store. As reported by BleepingComputer, the malicious apps in question were discovered by Zscaler’s ThreatLabs team. At the time, its

JarTee/Shutterstock Starting next year, Google will push what might be a controversial change (depending on who you ask), and it affects the process of installing apps on Android devices. For years, Android users have been able to side-load tons of different apps not available on the Google Play

Even as the NYPD targets e-bike riders with criminal tickets for traffic violations, catching immigrant food delivery workers in the dragnet, the City Council is sitting on a bill that would make the apps that dispatch them responsible to provide safety gear and training. Introduced by Manhattan Councilmember Gale Brewer in January 2024, Intro 20

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Google will soon verify the identities of developers who distribute Android apps outside the Play Store. Developers must submit their information to a new Android Developer Console, increasing their accountability for their apps. Rolling out in phases from September 2026, these new verification requirements are aimed at protecting users