LineageOS Says Google’s 2026 Sideloading Checks Won’t Reach Its Custom ROM Devices
Updated
Updated · Android Authority · Jul 6
LineageOS Says Google’s 2026 Sideloading Checks Won’t Reach Its Custom ROM Devices
1 articles · Updated · Android Authority · Jul 6
Summary
LineageOS said Google’s new developer verification system will not apply to devices running its custom ROM because they are not Google-certified and do not ship with Google Mobile Services.
September 30, 2026 is when Google starts requiring verified developers for apps on certified Android devices in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, with users of unverified apps pushed into an advanced sideloading flow or ADB.
Google delivers the feature as a separate component that LineageOS does not include, and the project said even GApps packages are not expected to enable it.
Play Services could eventually absorb the verification function, but LineageOS said it would disable it, as it already does with some Play Services-based update mechanisms.
LineageOS also signed the Keep Android Open petition, aligning with F-Droid and the EFF in arguing the anti-malware measure could also tighten Google’s control over Android app distribution.