One of my subscribers sent me this on WhatsApp, and I was honestly surprised.

Google is launching a new Android Developer Console for developers who distribute apps outside the Play Store.

Starting September 2026, any app that runs on certified Android devices (even sideloaded) will need to be tied to a verified developer account. On the surface, this looks like a “security” move — but if you think deeper, it’s basically Google extending Play Console–style control to the entire Android ecosystem.

👉 Verification steps:

• Provide full legal identity (name, address, phone, ID).

• Organizations must provide a D-U-N-S number + website verification.

• Prove ownership of every app (package name + signing keys).

Timeline highlights:

• Oct 2025 → Early access opens.

• Mar 2026 → Verification opens to all developers.

• Sep 2026 → Requirement enforced in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand.

• 2027+ → Global rollout.

Yes, Google frames it as “security,” but it’s also a way to put a leash on sideloading — one of Android’s last big freedoms. If every developer has to verify through Google, then in practice, Google becomes the gatekeeper of the entire Android app ecosystem, not just Play Store.

Source: Android Developer Verification

What do you think?

• Genuine step to reduce malware?

• Or just Google tightening control over Android’s open ecosystem under the label of “safety”?

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to sign up as an individual developer account on Google Play Console to launch my first app on Google Play, but I’ve been facing issues creating the developer account.

When I fill out the form, it asks for my phone number in the international format (which I’ve done). However, I keep getting the following error:

“We can’t verify your phone number at the moment. If this error persists, try verifying by receiving a call instead.”

Here’s what I’ve tried so far, but nothing has worked:

• Tried using a different phone number

• Tried using a different browser

• Tried using different devices (phone, laptop, and PC)

• Tried verifying via both text and call methods – same error every time

• Double-checked that the phone number format is correct

• Cleared cache and cookies on my browsers

• Contacted support via email. They documented my issue and escalated it to their technical team, but it’s been over four days with no response.

Has anyone else faced the same issue? If so, what worked for you? Any help or advice would mean a lot!

Thanks in advance! ❤️