This fundamental Android feature is 'absolutely not' going away, says Google - but it is changing

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Google reiterates that sideloading isn't going away.
• But the requirements for developer verification will still be rolled out.
• The move mirrors Apple's long-standing security approach.

About a month ago, Google announced that the rules around sideloading apps -- the ability to install apps from unverified developers, bypassing Google's Play Store -- onto Android devices were set to change. In a nutshell, Google announced that it was going to make developer verification mandatory for Android certified devices.

New rules

Predictably, some Android users were concerned by this change, that it would limit the apps users would have access to, and that linking real-world identities to developers of privacy tools, political apps, or security software could put developers in danger.

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