The Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 announced at Android Developers Blog: Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is Here :
Testing developer verification
To better protect Android users from repeat offenders, Android is introducing developer verification, a new requirement to make app installation safer by preventing the spread of malware and scams. Starting in September 2026 and in specific regions, Android will require apps to be registered by verified developers to be installed on certified Android devices, with an exception made for installs made through the Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
As a developer, you are free to install apps without verification by using ADB, so you can continue to test apps that are not intended or not yet ready to distribute to the wider consumer population.
For apps that enable user-initiated installation of app packages, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 contains new APIs that support developer verification during installation, along with a new adb command to let you force a verification outcome for testing purposes.
adb shell pm set-developer-verification-resultBy using this command, (see adb shell pm help for full details) you can now simulate verification failures. This allows you to understand the end-to-end user experience for both successful and unsuccessful verification, so you can prepare accordingly before enforcement begins.
We encourage all developers who distribute apps on certified Android devices to sign up for early access to get ready and stay updated.
It could be interesting to try turning this on and seeing what the experience is for F-Droid when attempting to install apps that are not verified.