Your phone is about to stop being yours. In 2027, Google will block every Android app whose developer hasn't registered with them.
A new layer of security for certified Android devices
Starting in 2026 and in select countries first, Android apps must be registered to a verified developer in order to be installed.
Android developer verification: Balancing openness and choice with safety
News and insights on the Android platform, developer tools, and events.
Android developer verification | Android Developers
Get started building your Android apps.
Tim Sweeney on Twitter / X
Google is opening up Android all the way with robust support for competing stores, competing payments, and a better deal for all developers. So, we've settled all of our disputes worldwide. THANKS GOOGLE! https://t.co/Dq6eXNnZd0— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) March 4, 2026
An Open Letter to Google regarding Mandatory Developer Registration for Android App Distribution
Open Letter to Google Regarding Mandatory Developer Registration for Third-Party App Distribution
Unless users take action, Android will let Gemini access third-party apps
Important changes to Android devices took effect starting Monday.
Redditors ask, Cybernews answers: Can you really “deGoogle” your Android?
Step-by-step guide to Android privacy. Cybernews provides tips on how to stop tracking, limit Google data collection, deGoogle Samsung devices, and reduce app surveillance.
Google’s iron grip on Android: Controlling open source by any means necessary
From the archives: Android is open—except for all the good parts.
Google takes a new approach to native apps with Instant Apps for Android | TechCrunch
Mobile apps often provide a better user experience than browser-based web apps, but you first have to find them, download them, and then try not to forget
Improve device security with Advanced Protection for Android - Android Help
When you turn on Advanced Protection, you get the strongest security and privacy features to protect you and your device against online attacks, harmful apps, and data risks. This feature offers seve
Google Faces Huge Forces in Fight Over Android's Future
Enormous--and enormously complex---forces that have gathered against Android in Europe, all stemming from a case on the other side of the Atlantic.
The European Commission Versus Android
Examining the history of Android explains why the European Commission may be right to fine Google for its actions around Android, even as the reasoning feels off.
No one wants yearly Android releases
After a year, Android Marshmallow has barely managed to hit 7.5 percent, and in a few weeks Google will unveil the next release that no one will want.
Why Native Apps Really are Doomed: Native Apps are Doomed pt 2
I recently wrote an article called “Native Apps are Doomed.” I was surprised at how many people were defending native apps. In all honesty…
I Decompiled the White House's New App
The official White House Android app has a cookie/paywall bypass injector, tracks your GPS every 4.5 minutes, and loads JavaScript from some guy's GitHub Pages.
Native Apps Should Be Avoided Whenever Possible — No One's Happy
Why native apps have become privacy liabilities, and why the browser is almost always the better choice.