In a major shift for the Android ecosystem, Google will roll out a new developer verification system. This will change how we think about sideloading apps. For years, one of Android’s key advantages was the freedom to install applications from outside the Google Play Store. Usually, all you needed was to download an APK file and a few taps. But as Google moves to link real-world identities to developers, Android’s upcoming developer verification system could be a headache for users who don’t always have a reliable internet connection.
Android’s developer verification system may require internet to sideload apps
The core of the issue lies in a piece of code discovered in the Android SDK. It includes a variable called DEVELOPER_VERIFICATION_FAILED_REASON_NETWORK_UNAVAILABLE. This suggests that to install an app, the system might need to check online to ensure the developer is verified and not on a “blacklist” of bad actors (spotted by Android Authority).
This security measure makes sense, as it helps prevent malicious apps from being distributed. However, it raises a question for users who want to install an app in a place with no Wi-Fi or cellular service.
Imagine you’ve downloaded an app file but are now traveling in a remote area. Under this new system, you might be prevented from installing that app, even if it’s from a legitimate source. This could create a major headache for a small but significant number of users. We are talking about users in rural areas or people with prepaid phones and limited data, for example.
The ADB workaround would continue to work offline
This development is part of a larger plan by Google to enhance app security and integrity. The company is also providing a workaround that aims for advanced users. Mainly, you can bypass the verification using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB). Anyway, the overall change represents a move toward a more controlled platform.
The new developer verification system is set to be rolled out over the next year. This gives developers time to register and users time to adapt. But the details of how it will work in practice are still emerging.
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