I mostly use apps installed from F-Droid, so I’m not sure how I’ll use the phone, except that it’s sometimes required as a contact method.

  • ⓝⓞ🅞🅝🅔@lemmy.caEnglish
    6·
    5 hours ago

    How likely is that this will happen, unchallenged?

    I’ve honestly just been hoping it never happens, because I don’t actually have a plan to deal with it if it does…

    I read this from Fdroid (https://f-droid.org/en/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html) and I also looked at the Google announcement here (https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html?m=1)

    Things are still murky to me. Google said the following:

    To be clear, developers will have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or to use any app store they prefer. We believe this is how an open system should work—by preserving choice while enhancing security for everyone. Android continues to show that with the right design and security principles, open and secure can go hand in hand. For more details on the specific requirements, visit our website. We’ll share more information in the coming months.

    Is the problem then that developers have to register? I see the downsides to this, but does it actually block side loading and using F-droid?

    • artyom@piefed.socialEnglish
      4·
      4 hours ago

      How likely is that this will happen, unchallenged?

      Seems very likely.

      Is the problem then that developers have to register?

      Yes, the problem is that the developer has to register with Google, and Google has to approve them. It only “blocks” sideloading if the developer has not registered with Google, which all of them I have seen, have already stated they won’t be doing this. It also gives Google the authority to block any apps they don’t like, such as the ones seen recently being taken down from Apple/Google stores. As well as any ad-blocking apps or syncing apps like they’ve done in the past. In short, it gives them complete control of the entire platform, and the associate revenue from it.