Hello developers, is it true that in August 2025, Google announced that, starting in September 2026, it will no longer be possible to develop applications for the Android platform without having previously registered with Google?
Yes
See the details here
Many hobbyist and student developers already complain about this requirement on Google Play, as it essentially forces them to reveal their personal information unless they set up a business address, so it’s good to see that Android won’t dox them. Google says it understands the needs of hobbyist and student developers are “different from commercial developers” and is therefore creating a “separate type of Android Developer Console account” for them. This separate account type will have “fewer verification requirements” and won’t require the $25 USD registration fee that is otherwise required.
Taifun
But if we don’t update Android maybe we can still develop apps without having registred … ?
If you contact Google, maybe this can be modified not to be so onerous. See
for some ideas. Google is introducing a "Limited Distribution" account type to provide a lighter path for students and hobbyists who do not need full-scale public distribution.