Android will become a locked-down platform in 194 day
(keepandroidopen.org)
AndroidBye bye Android and hello Murena Fairphone.
I wish a have Fairphone, They are great
Partly because of this, I moved to graphene.
Fuck google, simply. And I did like then 15-20 years ago. How far have they fallen..
I wish I could, but I don't want to carry around a wallet, so I need Google Wallet :( and it doesn't work on Graphene.
Yeah, same. I have considered a watch to solve this, but not sure.
15-20 years ago? I thought GrapheneOS was 6 years old
I have an Android device with a locked bootloader and no available custom ROMS. Am I fucked ?
You need to unlock bootloader first
I don't think it's unlockable. You see I'm using an honor device (huawei basically)
So, I will no longer be allowed to install APKs that aren't from the Play Store? I thought they backed down on that.
not just play store it's worse, if the developer didn't pay to google and give ID to Google, no-one can install that app
Right now the best solution is using custom ROMs *without Google Play Services
That would only apply if Play services are involved.
I've installed many apps on devices with no play store, no networking, etc.
Google will need a mechanism to enforce this, that will be Play Services.
A lot of people reported that they did. I don't know why. Nothing in their statement said that. They did say they were going to add some "advanced workflows" but didn't elaborate anymore than that. It says it right in the link in OP:
Update: Google has not “backed down” from developer verification: Contrary to a vague mention of a possible “advanced flow” that may eventually allow “experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn’t verified”, Google’s description of the program continues to state plainly that: "Starting in September 2026, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed on certified Android devices". Until such time that they have shown evidence that it will be possible to bypass the verification process without undue friction, we must believe what is stated on their official page: that all apps from non-registered developers will be blocked once their lock-down goes into effect.
FuckGoogle
Use Custom ROMs with MicroG
Here is active and good custom ROMs
LineageOS (many devices) e/os (many devices) crDroid (many devices) GrapheneOS (only pixel)
I just got my fairphone! It feels so free!
that's just it, they're targeting custom ROMs with this too. the number of security updates for AOSP is being cut by Google in order to make custom ROMs less secure, so that they can then close down the project while claiming it's to protect users. make no mistake, the end goal here is make everyone who uses Android have to do so on their terms.
it's why Linux phones being mainstream is an absolute priority.
the number of security updates for AOSP is being cut by Google in order to make custom ROMs less secure
Please don't spread misinformation. Google didn't cut security updates. You can still get monthly security updates on Custom ROMs.
Also it's just on certified devices
Starting next year, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed by users on certified Android devices. source
Please don’t spread misinformation.
it's not misinformation, you weird little google fanboy.
Also it’s just on certified devices
which is every single major western brand that operates outside of china, and even some that are for that market specifically. you would know that if you had, I don't know, actually looked at the list of certified devices on google's own website.
https://www.android.com/certified/partners/
Let me clarify myself.
I hate Google
I don't even have a Google account I did 100% De-Google
I even think of blocking google.com (but it would also block ReCaptcha)
and you confuse by devices they don't mean "the device itself" they mean device with their stock rom
here is a screenshot that show if you get a certificed device and flash a custom ROM
https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/27068-grapheneos-security-preview-releases
This is probably where they got the 3 month number. It is fuckery and they are making the lives of custom rom developers more difficult than they need to be.
Here is a good information from LineageOS;
Over the last few years, AOSP has been shifting to a quarterly release cadence, meaning that new features and bug fixes are released every three months. link
misinformation and grapheneos, again?
https://www.androidauthority.com/android-risk-based-security-updates-3597466/
They're not releasing the list of vulnerabilities each month but instead doing it quarterly, so how are custom ROM devs supposed to patch vulnerabilities if google isn't reporting them to manufacturers and developers like they've done for over a decade now?
"Android Security Bulletins will still be released, and picked to all supported LineageOS versions monthly." LineageOS
Given how large and complex the Android operating system and its underlying components are, it’s not unusual to see a dozen or more vulnerabilities documented in a bulletin. However, the July 2025 bulletin broke this decade-long trend: out of the 120 bulletins published up to that point, it was the first ever to not list a single vulnerability.
Instead of bundling all available security patches into the next ASB, Google now prioritizes shipping only “high-risk” vulnerabilities in its monthly releases. The majority of security fixes, meanwhile, will be shipped in quarterly ASBs.
Wow you're completely full of shit aren't you
what do you mean?
You are a slave
Good news on the GrapheneOS front: Graphene will be available on hardware other than Pixels.
I like my Pixel 6 Pro just fine, but I'm nonetheless thrilled about this.
https://piunikaweb.com/2026/02/02/grapheneos-non-pixel-hardware-announcement/
good but I don't have couple months
Refurbished Pixels can be cheap nowadays. I got a Pixel 8a for less than 300 euros in great condition.
That's just the announcement. The devices won't be ready till 2027. 😖
This is only fuel on the EU open source initiatives.
But I'm pretty sure Google wont get away with locking down EU customers anyway, as this is clearly a breach of the DMA.
They could clam a web app is the "alternative" I guess.
They'll shut that down too. Somehow. For "security" I'm sure, even as the Play Store is infested with scam apps.
Play Store is infested with scam apps
Last time when I checked most of the apps was scam
They mandate 3rd party app stores. I think we are passed that.
Google is just power grapping what they can towards everyone else to make up for lost profit.
this is clearly a breach of the DMA
Is it? I think the DMA should have been written so that it is, but Apple does essentially the same thing and EU regulators don't seem to be claiming that it's a violation.
They mandate 3rd party app stores for Apple also. You can "side load" in the EU on an iPhone.
And have you seen Apples rules for app stores? Its pathetic that EU allows it.
So, I guess this means that f-droid can only be installed via Google Play. /s
I'm getting flashbacks to using Internet Explorer to install Firefox.
edit: made sarcasm more obvious.
i was gonna try turning a steam deck into all-in-one device including phone, with portable GSM router of whatever i'd to use it for calls (it does have a mic, right?)
not sure if/how that'll work out
You could feasibly replace the m.2 SSD with one of these bad boys: https://ebay.us/m/JgLTUU
You would have to then boot from SD card, not sure if that's supported. There are also docks with extra m.2 slots.
I'm reading that the steam deck has 8 pcie lanes. Theoretically there are plenty of possibilities for expansion (at a cost to portability and practicality).
This.. is intriguing
Locked down platforms don't have opt outs for the locks. Though it is a concerning move in the wrong direction.
What opt outs are you referring to? Installing an alternative OS?
Not sure if you've been following but the app lockdown does not prevent you from installing apps. You can opt out of the controls they are implementing. They backtracked after the outrage.
Yeah but theyre obviously gonna try again once everyone has move on
Yup, which is why we have to be diligent and prepared. But false information doesn't solve that issue because you get dismissed.
Did you actually read the link? They address this in a big red box:
Update: Google has not “backed down” from developer verification
Contrary to a vague mention of a possible “advanced flow” that may eventually allow “experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn’t verified”, Google’s description of the program continues to state plainly that:
Starting in September 2026, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed on certified Android devices
Until such time that they have shown evidence that it will be possible to bypass the verification process without undue friction, we must believe what is stated on their official page: that all apps from non-registered developers will be blocked once their lock-down goes into effect.
You can always install with adb.
They didn't fully backtrack. They haven't given details but there are still questions about what "advanced flow" means and whether it'll involve Google spying on what people install. Even if they backed off the worst part of it, this is still monopolist, anti-consumer, and likely privacy-violating behavior, and the correct action isn't to go "eh they compromise a little so I'll shut up and eat my slop"
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2026/01/24/really-dangerous-google-changes-android-for-all-users/
Was that supposed to refute what I said? Because it didn't.
Not sure if you've been following but there's no way to opt out. They did not backtrack on anything, despite widespread erroneous reporting. If you click the OP, it says as much. If you have a source that shows they did, please share it because I'd love to read it.
Here's Google's official blog where they back off from complete lockdown
Android Developers Blog: Android developer verification: Early access starts now as we continue to build with your feedback https://share.google/5jCv5uDMFcFnc11UN
that's not backing down at all. they speak of a possible workflow, but they don't say you'll be able to install unverified apps. they still say they'll require it, in fact.
Starting in September 2026, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed on certified Android devices
Empowering experienced users
While security is crucial, we’ve also heard from developers and power users who have a higher risk tolerance and want the ability to download unverified apps.
Based on this feedback and our ongoing conversations with the community, we are building a new advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn't verified. We are designing this flow specifically to resist coercion, ensuring that users aren't tricked into bypassing these safety checks while under pressure from a scammer. It will also include clear warnings to ensure users fully understand the risks involved, but ultimately, it puts the choice in their hands. We are gathering early feedback on the design of this feature now and will share more details in the coming months.
yeah, that's a whole lot of corporate speak that says absolutely nothing. they wrote two whole paragraphs that promise nothing and don't back down on their verification plans. and you fell for it, too.
you have no idea what that "advanced flow" means, or what it entails, or even if it will actually be there to begin with, or how long it will be there until they discontinue it.
Did you actually read it? That's not what it says at all.
I mean what they pasted here sure sounds like that us what it says.
Sure did. Did you?
"Empowering experienced users
While security is crucial, we’ve also heard from developers and power users who have a higher risk tolerance and want the ability to download unverified apps.
Based on this feedback and our ongoing conversations with the community, we are building a new advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn't verified. We are designing this flow specifically to resist coercion, ensuring that users aren't tricked into bypassing these safety checks while under pressure from a scammer. It will also include clear warnings to ensure users fully understand the risks involved, but ultimately, it puts the choice in their hands. We are gathering early feedback on the design of this feature now and will share more details in the coming months. "
As I said earlier, only a vague mention of an "advanced flow" that's still in the works. Nothing saying they are no longer going to require distributors to register with Google, but it does say that they will require it on Google's own website:
Starting in September 2026, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed on certified Android devices
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2026/01/24/really-dangerous-google-changes-android-for-all-users/
Why you are spamming?
Do you know how to read? Do you know how to click links?
If you do you would see this in this page https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html
Starting next year, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed by users on certified Android devices.
I could ask the same.
Each individual asked for the evidence, I presented it.
you can only do that if you use a custom ROM
but on official ROM, no you can't
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2026/01/24/really-dangerous-google-changes-android-for-all-users/
You are getting shit on in this thread, but all you are doing is showing what was said by the company. If they say sideloading is going to stay, then I would go with that until they don't. I'm a find out before you freak out kind of person, but it seems there's a lot of freak out and no find out here.
Heads firmly up asses all around, it's like a discussion with MAGA.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2026/01/24/really-dangerous-google-changes-android-for-all-users/
No such "backing down" to speak of there
All Google has said is that “it’s not a sideloading restriction, but an ‘Accountability Layer.’ Advanced users will be able to’Install without verifying,’ but expect a high-friction flow designed to help users understand the risks.”
That quote comes from the director of product management from Google Play. It has not been altered or deleted since posted.
Again, a bunch of vague nonsensical horseshit. That sounds like their previous strategy where they said you could use adb, which is completely unrealistic, and is 1000% a sideloading restriction.
