Come September 2026, are you sticking with Android

[SyCoREAPER]

In 2026 Android will be closing off Android with the Verified Developer program which also limits users to only installing from the PlayStore because of "Security". Yeah that same PlayStore they gatekeep that can't control malware today.

Not sure if this will trickle down to non-Pixels but sounds like it will. No F-Droid. No FOSS. No Freedom.

I say it every so many weeks that Google is on a path of self-destruction but each time I think it can't get worse. Here we are.

I hated Apple for their walled off garden but their eco-system is right, integrated and consistent. The openness of Android is what keeps me here. Without that, Apple (may God have mercy on my soul) is the logical choice for me assuming no new OS takes over.

If Google does follow through with this and force OEMs to do the same, will you be sticking with Android or moving to the other evil Apple?

 

[Laura Knotek]

I'll stay with Android because I simply don't care for the way Apple works, especially their file system (or lack thereof). I also have no use for iMessage, iCloud, FaceTime, Apple Watch, etc. Additionally, I will never purchase a Mac. I also just purchased a new Samsung Galaxy Tab S10FE.

 

[me just saying]

Amazon will not remove the ability to download and sideload from third party sources as long as the developer is verified with Amazon. They will only remove the ability to sideload using anonymous sources.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

Amazon will not remove the ability to download and sideload from third party sources as long as the developer is verified with Amazon. They will only remove the ability to sideload using anonymous sources.

Thats speculation at this point. FireTV they actively block and fight functions of sideloaded apps like accessibility based and sometimes not even show up in the default launcher.

As mentioned we also don't know at this point if Google will require OEMs to disallow sideloading to remain certified as well. With Amazon removing their app store for the GPS, they will bend of backwards to comply.

I'll stay with Android because I simply don't care for the way Apple works, especially their file system (or lack thereof). I also have no use for iMessage, iCloud, FaceTime, Apple Watch, etc. Additionally, I will never purchase a Mac. I also just purchased a new Samsung Galaxy Tab S10FE.

I didn't think about the file system and the dependency on iTunes (now that's bloatware).

As much as I hate the idea, I am thinking about going 100% Linux and am not sure how Apple plays with that.

Given me some things to consider with is appreciated.

What are you going to do if sideloading is almost like a Knox fuse and makes the device not certified? (Speculation) That might mean certified apps won't run at all almost forcing people to choose Google's fake Eden or FOSS exclusively.

 

[notforhire]

I'll stay with Android because I simply don't care for the way Apple works, especially their file system (or lack thereof). I also have no use for iMessage, iCloud, FaceTime, Apple Watch, etc. Additionally, I will never purchase a Mac. I also just purchased a new Samsung Galaxy Tab S10FE.

if something occurs to me, I'll add to this list

 

[SyCoREAPER]

if something occurs to me, I'll add to this list

Maybe because I just woke up but: huhhh?

 

[IsHacker]

In 2026 Android will be closing off Android with the Verified Developer program which also limits users to only installing from the PlayStore because of "Security". Yeah that same PlayStore they gatekeep that can't control malware today.

Not sure if this will trickle down to non-Pixels but sounds like it will. No F-Droid. No FOSS. No Freedom.

I say it every so many weeks that Google is on a path of self-destruction but each time I think it can't get worse. Here we are.

I hated Apple for their walled off garden but their eco-system is right, integrated and consistent. The openness of Android is what keeps me here. Without that, Apple (may God have mercy on my soul) is the logical choice for me assuming no new OS takes over.

If Google does follow through with this and force OEMs to do the same, will you be sticking with Android or moving to the other evil Apple?

I hate google, but I have this much trust in them that they would never do this. And they actually CAN'T do this since android itself is FOSS. They even confirmed that AOSP is NOT going away. But if they do it, I will do one of these 2 things:
1. Don't update to the then-latest android version
2. Move to a GNU/Linux phone like PinePhone or flash a distro on my current phone if it's supported.

 

[monsieurms]

Without that, Apple (may God have mercy on my soul) is the logical choice for me assuming no new OS takes over.

If Google does follow through with this and force OEMs to do the same, will you be sticking with Android or moving to the other evil Apple?

No sideloading is basically the same rule Apple has, right? So... I don't see any reason to upset my app universe even if I don't like Google's proposal. I have nowhere to go, nothing to gain, even if that is a big issue for me.

But I think I have side-loaded one app in the last 5 years. It will probably be okay. It certainly isn't worth changing operating systems, at least not for me.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

I hate google, but I have this much trust in them that they would never do this. And they actually CAN'T do this since android itself is FOSS. They even confirmed that AOSP is NOT going away. But if they do it, I will do one of these 2 things:
1. Don't update to the then-latest android version
2. Move to a GNU/Linux phone like PinePhone or flash a distro on my current phone if it's supported.

I have every confidence they would do this. How often do they kill an app or service for no reason and either abandon it altogether or replace it with some halfbaked clone with 60% less functionality, get it working 2 years later and never touch it again or repeat the cycle?

Android is Open-Source, GP Services is not which is why it isn't included in ROMs, unless the dev likes playing with fire.

I don't know how it will be enforced but they could very well decertify the device like KNOX, SELinu or Safetynet (not sure if that's still a thing for root) behave and lock down the PlayStore. You can sideload but won't have access to the PlayStore and I guarantee you, Certified Apps will stop working because your device is no longer certified and as such a "security risk" (like how some bank apps behave with root).

No sideloading is basically the same rule Apple has, right? So... I don't see any reason to upset my app universe even if I don't like Google's proposal. I have nowhere to go, nothing to gain, even if that is a big issue for me.

But I think I have side-loaded one app in the last 5 years. It will probably be okay. It certainly isn't worth changing operating systems, at least not for me.

That's fair. In my case I rely on quite a few FOSS apps and like that I can see the code. I like that they can do what Google won't and as such aren't allowed on the PlayStore and must be sideloaded.

Maybe I'll have a different outlook when the time comes but right now, Google just keeps making one bad move after another.

 

[Mooncatt]

I think it's too soon to really know what we'll do. Google's plans could change, and I'm sure there will be many developers looking at creating alternatives.

I have an app I use all the time that is side loaded, so my choice will depend on my ability to keep using it or an equivalent alternative (which doesn't currently exist).

 

[SyCoREAPER]

That's true but if the word gets out sooner than later whether it has materialized yet or not, maybe we can get the outrage machine going in advance.

Enough negative publicity can be enough sometimes to make change happen (or prevent it).

 

[edubfromktown]

I'll stay with Android because I simply don't care for the way Apple works, especially their file system (or lack thereof). I also have no use for iMessage, iCloud, FaceTime, Apple Watch, etc. Additionally, I will never purchase a Mac. I also just purchased a new Samsung Galaxy Tab S10FE.

Same for me other than I don't mind how macOS works (especially the Unix command line). I've used Mac's at home since ~2000.

Other thing I do is sync my MP3, CD music and (few Apple Music purchases) from a 2011 Mac Mini's iTunes library to the Sonos app running on it. Make it easy to stream on a bunch of different Sonos speakers throughout the house.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

Rossman is I think I a polarizing individual, people like him or can't stand him but nobody can deny that he's an advocate.

He made a good point about the terminology of "sideloading" and how it's a misnomer we've been groomed to adopt.

He also discussed above. Looks like we are gaining traction. A few other channels are making a stink too. I hope this continues to go hard.

 

[Laura Knotek]

Same for me other than I don't mind how macOS works (especially the Unix command line). I've used Mac's at home since ~2000.

Other thing I do is sync my MP3, CD music and (few Apple Music purchases) from a 2011 Mac Mini's iTunes library to the Sonos app running on it. Make it easy to stream on a bunch of different Sonos speakers throughout the house.

I've used FreeBSD in the past, so I'd be comfortable using it again, but I'm not going to spend the money on a Mac that has hardware that can't be upgraded at all. I built my own PC, so I am able to use Windows, Linux, or FreeBSD and even more than one OS if I want. My music files are FLAC, not MP3.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

I've used FreeBSD in the past, so I'd be comfortable using it again, but I'm not going to spend the money on a Mac that has hardware that can't be upgraded at all. I built my own PC, so I am able to use Windows, Linux, or FreeBSD and even more than one OS if I want. My music files are FLAC, not MP3.

Could make Hackintosh become popular again and more compatible. With Windows destroying itself with every update and Linux requiring constant maintenance (for the average user), let alone the unknown factor like FreeBSD.

This is going to be interesting how this plays how and how it will affect what others decide to do.

 

[IsHacker]

Linux requiring constant maintenance

I'm not sure what you mean by "constant maintenence". I have been using Linux Mint for 4 years now, and I barely pay any attention to the system itself. I mostly do web browsing, programming on android studio, using some CLI tools and gaming in DOSBox. I install the updates only once in a week. And I update through the GUI "Update manager", not the sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade stuff.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

I'm not sure what you mean by "constant maintenence". I have been using Linux Mint for 4 years now, and I barely pay any attention to the system itself. I mostly do web browsing, programming on android studio, using some CLI tools and gaming in DOSBox. I install the updates only once in a week. And I update through the GUI "Update manager", not the sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade stuff.

Depends how it's used and which DE you use. I was at the time making it a full fledged replacement. Web Browsing and DOSBox are fairly trivial, can't speak to Android Studio.

I've never used Mint and maybe it's better than some of the more "exotic" distros I've used but (years ago) even Ubuntu would occasionally break with the upgrade and update commands. Why I have no idea.

I'm sure support has gotten better over the years too. Hunting for drivers, especially laptop was never fun.

Even so, the average user is not going to use it as a SD unless it's highly customized and integrated. Linux has failed to catch on to the mainstream with the exception of Steam Deck which fits into the above category.

All that aside, our opinions are irrelevant in the area of the discussion about Android shifting directions.

Does anyone here know how effective those petition things are? I've never done one but if after x-signatures it is evaluated, maybe it will put Google under the microscope. Apple was last I heard being pressured into allowing installs outside the app store.

 

[IsHacker]

Hunting for drivers, especially laptop was never fun

Just wanted to say that this is exclusively a windows thing. Linux doesn't need "drivers". It detects all drivers automatically, as all the drivers are in the kernel itself. So you don't need to install them manually.
Same goes for macOS.

 

[Mooncatt]

Does anyone here know how effective those petition things are?

If you are talking about general petitions like you see at Change.org, they are worthless in my opinion. They have no real power other than to show a bunch of digital signatures that may or may not even be real/valid. I did hear that the UK government has an official petition program where enough verified citizen signatures can get a plan heard about. This is what the Stop Killing Games movement used over there to get the ball rolling on legislation. Not every government has that kind of program, though.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

If you are talking about general petitions like you see at Change.org, they are worthless in my opinion. They have no real power other than to show a bunch of digital signatures that may or may not even be real/valid. I did hear that the UK government has an official petition program where enough verified citizen signatures can get a plan heard about. This is what the Stop Killing Games movement used over there to get the ball rolling on legislation. Not every government has that kind of program, though.

I did see that about the UK but Google could just honor that in the UK and nowhere else. All ROMs (except unlocked) are tailored to carriers so it wouldn't be hard to implement in a limited scope.

Nevertheless, thanks, I'll still see if I am eligible to start one and at least do something