On the one hand, google is obviously evil, and it’s intentions here are undoubtedly evil as well. On the other, I do think some kind of verification of developers should exist. Just not in google hands. But who. There really isn’t anyway to create an organization that could be trusted to do this. And of course, the user should be able to chose to install apps from an unverified developer.
Android will become a locked-down platform in 194 day
Submitted 17 hours ago by FirmDistribution@lemmy.world to technology@lemmy.world
Comments
Modern_medicine_isnt@lemmy.world 1 hour ago
ILikeBoobies@lemmy.ca 56 minutes ago
Google has their own store, that’s how they verify.
SkunkWorkz@lemmy.world 33 minutes ago
That’s how it works on Windows already. You buy a cert from a third party vendor so your setup file can pass Windows security checks and doesn’t show a big warning to the user when they open the setup file.
eleefece@lemmy.world 1 hour ago
Mayube it’s time to bring back MeeGo
arcine@jlai.lu 3 hours ago
If this happens, I guess it’s Linux Phone time for me… I’m pretty certain GrapheneOS will be able to get around this abuse of power for a while, but it wouldn’t take much effort from Google to kill them too ; they almost already have…
Or maybe dumb phone time ? But I like browsing Wikipedia and playing chess and RetroArch on my phone, I don’t want to lose that just because big G$ said so…
Buddahriffic@lemmy.world 1 hour ago
Fwiw, just because a dumb phone doesn’t give you access to “smart” features doesn’t mean the capabilities aren’t present on the phone. It’s just a matter of what could be hidden on the circuit board (lots can be hidden in chips), and what can be hidden in usual expected traffic (if bandwidth requirements are low, even timing of packets could be used to encode hidden data that would never show up in any logs).
Plus the simple tracking of cellphones is necessary for them to function at all.
arschfidel@discuss.tchncs.de 1 hour ago
The new requirements will “only” apply for “certified” Android devices. I’m pretty sure, devices running a custom ROM aren’t certified, especially if you don’t even have Google Services installed. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to a bright future for Linux phones.
coolmojo@lemmy.world 3 hours ago
You can still use a dump phone. You can play and browse Wikipedia on a Steam Deck which has WiFi. If you are outsid, you can use a Mifi device of a USB LTE/5G dongle for the SteamDeck.
fishy@lemmy.today 2 hours ago
Steam decks are expensive and relatively bulky when compared to a phone. I don’t think it’s really a practical solution for most of us.
YiddishMcSquidish@lemmy.today 3 hours ago
I wonder if there is a dumb phone with tethering currently. Cause if you don’t mind carrying 2 devices, that may be viable for your use case
sturmblast@lemmy.world 4 hours ago
Linux phones look more and more attractive
Mohamad20ZX@sopuli.xyz 3 hours ago
Couldn’t agree more Especially when the Pine Phone Pro is improving every year since its has came out and with Posh shell and Waydroid nothing will stop Linux from succeeding in the modern era
rumba@lemmy.zip 3 hours ago
sadly
The PinePhone Pro was officially discontinued in August 2025, as it didn’t sell well enough to keep production going.[7]
generic1546@lemmy.ca 4 hours ago
Graphene OS
Allero@lemmy.today 3 hours ago
As far as I know, it is still reliant on the whims of Google through shenanigans with AOSP, and of course having to use a Pixel.
Linux offers a more solid and independent foundation, and while it is less polished yet, to me it’s the only real way out.
HalfSalesman@lemmy.world 3 hours ago
Fuck, I don’t have the money to replace my phone. I probably wont by September either. Too many expenses.
linule@lemmy.world 11 hours ago
Time to popularize Linux phones. I read that the security model is lacking, but especially given that Android is Linux too, shouldn’t be too difficult to catch up. The EU is also interested in tech independence, so that could be one of the sources of funding. And there are a few viable early projects, like Ubuntu Touch and Sailfish.
jabjoe@feddit.uk 8 hours ago
There need to be enforced of competition law here. Companies aren’t going to voluntarily support a platform with few users. Users aren’t going to move to a platform without critical apps.
We live in a dystopia were you have to have the banks app to do online banking even on your desktop. You can’t charge your car without an app. You can’t navigate your car without a map app that has traffic information. Etc etc. I want FOSS alternatives to all these, but there isn’t and Google could take even having a FOSS platform at all.
This something we need regulators to fix. It is a politically problem, not a technical one.
America screwing up trust should wake up Europe to dealing with American tech monopolies. Now it’s not something just nerds and economists complain about, it is a geopolitical problem.
linule@lemmy.world 8 hours ago
Fully agree, there should be a regulation, temporary at least, that requires/incentivizes critical companies to make a mobile Linux version of their apps, as well as strategic funding and incentives to make the platforms viable. We as citizens should contribute too, increasing pressure for this to happen, spreading the message, becoming early adopters where possible, submitting feedback, contributing, etc.
Meshuggah333@piefed.world 5 hours ago
Android is not Linux (the OS), it just uses the Linux kernel. That means almost nothing is transferable from one OS to the other unfortunately.
ptu@sopuli.xyz 5 hours ago
You can run Android apps on Sailfish via AppSupport
vacuumflower@lemmy.sdf.org 10 hours ago
Sailfish is not very alive. Ubuntu Touch too.
But honestly yes. I think the problems are mostly in hardware support.
linule@lemmy.world 8 hours ago
The problems driving the push for independence are fairly recent, so the current state is unlikely to be predictive.
anon_8675309@lemmy.world 5 hours ago
So basically they wanna be Apple.
DFX4509B@lemmy.wtf 8 hours ago
How soon before Windows copies this, given they already tried this sorta lockdown with S Mode?
TheSeveralJourneysOfReemus@lemmy.world 45 minutes ago
I used the s mode and i was eating my desk in the meantime.
IsoKiero@sopuli.xyz 1 hour ago
In theory Canonical could lock down Ubuntu like that, but it would be the end of Ubuntu. Switching over to Mint or Debian is not a big deal for majority of the linux-users and also Ubuntu would lose all the advantages they can currently pull off from Debian package maintainers. Also I suppose it would bring a ton of headaches with licenses, but IANAL, so don’t quote me on that. And, obviously, that would kill snapcraft too as I don’t see any incentives for developers to support walled gardens for free, so it wouldn’t be all bad.
Blemgo@lemmy.world 6 hours ago
I’m sceptical with Windows, considering that most programs are installed via EXE files, so the outcry will be huge. But I’m not saying it can’t be a possibility.
With Ubuntu there would only be a chance of it happening if they also make their distro immutable. That way the user could not as easily install packages the traditional way. But even then there might be ways to disable this immutable mode for troubleshooting. However, this, in my opinion, would cause a mass exodus as Canonical does not have the same advantage as Microsoft or Google have: Windows and android are, to an extent, closed off ecosystems. Thus switching to another system is very hard, as not every software is available on every other system, so potentially subpar alternatives and comparability layers, whose functionality mostly depends on whether the company behind the original system is actively fighting against these tools or not. Ubuntu on the other hand, is a Linux distro, so you cab make it like Theseus and recreate this distro more or less with the sum of its parts, if need be.
Yliaster@thelemmy.club 9 hours ago
How do we defend our privacy on Android now?
AeonFelis@lemmy.world 2 minutes ago
vacuumflower@lemmy.sdf.org 4 hours ago
Never could. Power of thousands of paid developers against a few. That’s like finding all needles in a haystack, and power determines the size of that haystack and the amount of needles.
You can’t use something that cost that much to make and expect to divert from what the producers intended.
jabjoe@feddit.uk 8 hours ago
Privacy isn’t really in their interest. They feed off our data.
Yliaster@thelemmy.club 8 hours ago
That’s obvious, but we could use GrapheneOS and F-Droid etc to defend it ourselves. I’m not expecting Google to help, just hoping the resistance has something up its sleeve too.
bioluminescence@lemmy.blahaj.zone 9 hours ago
What does this mean for GrapheneOS and similar degoogled android versions?
ExLisper@lemmy.curiana.net 9 hours ago
Nothing changes for now but other moves by Google clearly show they are trying to kill 3rd party ROMs by locking down Android’s code. In my opinion, unless EU steps in and mandates phone manufacturers and Google to support google free apps we’re fucked.
lbfgs@programming.dev 7 hours ago
EU wants phones to be locked down so they can then make Google implement mass surveillance for “national security” reasons
eleitl@lemmy.zip 8 hours ago
The EU has no interest in allowing privacy on devices, since it is increasingly attempting to control alternative narratives. We’re in touching distance of the Fourth Reich now.
jabjoe@feddit.uk 8 hours ago
It is surely called competition law?
rumba@lemmy.zip 3 hours ago
It means they fork and they’re going to need funding to keep up with security work at least.
DreamlandLividity@lemmy.world 9 hours ago
While it does not affect them in theory, it is unlikely most app developers will give significant effort to only support a small percentage of Android users running custom ROMs. So while GrapheneOS users will be able to install apps, there will likely not be that many apps to install.
i078@europe.pub 8 hours ago
The european movement away from american stuff however is increasing, I’m hopeful that Jolla, Fairphone and the ROM world will actually increase in importance and numbers
ExLisper@lemmy.curiana.net 9 hours ago
It’s the other way around. GrapheneOS users will be able to install all the apps but stock Android users will not be able to install apps from F-Droid and other alternative sources*. F-Droid will lose access to about 99% of the market.
*Technically it will still be possible for open source devs to distribute apps to stock Android users but it will require handing Google your personal information and setting up way more complicated build configuration.
eleitl@lemmy.zip 8 hours ago
I’m writing this on a GOS Pixel tablet with only free/libre installation sources. There are quite enough applications to install.
Imgonnatrythis@sh.itjust.works 15 hours ago
Sorry to piss off all the Apple shills on here, but sounds like an opportunity to me. I think there’s enough of us that want something better and some traction with Graphene and some Linux options. This should be a spark to ignite some fires. I’m disappointed but unsurpised by this news, but also a little excited about the window of motivation and opportunity this opens.
selokichtli@lemmy.ml 12 hours ago
Honestly, I’m worried. Current Linux options are expensive and or shitty. IDK if Sailfish is still a thing. I can’t use Apple. If I keep taking good care of my not-so-shitty Xiaomi phone, maybe I have a couple more years until I’m pwned.
PostmarketOS seems promising, though.
XLE@piefed.social 9 hours ago
If you care about using third-party Android apps, I have good news for you, but grim news for the ecosystem. You will still be able to use third-party apps. But it’s going to be harder. You’ll probably need to use something like Shizuku or an ADB tool. The first wave of those affected won’t be you and me; it’ll be people who aren’t quite as technically competent. Then, slowly, a chilling effect will echo across independent development.
CalcProgrammer1@lemmy.today 11 hours ago
PostmarketOS is already in a good state for a secondary device, though I don’t think it can completely replace an Android phone just yet. Most devices still have some fundamental hardware support issues even on the more well supported phones (camera is the big one, call audio is also problematic on a lot of devices). However, as a pocketable Linux machine, it is wonderful. I got a second cheap SIM card so I can have data on my OnePlus 6 postmarketOS phone as there are a lot of tasks that work better on Linux than Android. I keep an Android daily driver but am trying to do less and less on it and more on the postmarketOS device.
rajano@lemmy.world 10 hours ago
I look forward to LibrePhone coming online. I hope it comes soon …
“Librephone — Free Software Foundation — Working together for free software” www.fsf.org/campaigns/librephone
Pelicanen@sopuli.xyz 7 hours ago
SailfishOS is still very much a thing and they have a brand new phone on the way. Since it hasn’t been released yet it’s hard to get into specifics, but early interest seems to point in a positive direction at least.
asdfasdfasdf@lemmy.world 6 hours ago
traction with Graphene
What kind of traction? Is it missing something? Or do you just mean more developers behind it?
Imgonnatrythis@sh.itjust.works 1 hour ago
It’s missing a robust user base imo. More developers too.
pelespirit@sh.itjust.works 15 hours ago
Could you go over what Graphene is for phones? Is it easy to switch to an alternative to android?
FUCKING_CUNO@lemmy.dbzer0.com 15 hours ago
Its a version of android OS that can be installed on Google Pixel phones. Its a relatively easy switch if you’re technically inclined, but the device needs to be carrier unlocked.
FauxLiving@lemmy.world 10 hours ago
It’s Android with all of the Google removed where possible and sandboxed where not. You can choose to install the Google Play services and use it like any other Android phone or use it without any Google software.
Some things won’t work, namely things like some banking applications and NFC payments, because they require on hardware attestation that Google will not allow Graphene to pass. Essentially everything that isn’t banking/payment related works exactly like any other Android phone.
It is just a secure phone (though you can still install Facebook on it if you want) that is designed around mitigating attacks that could violate your privacy and security.
Very easy to install, you just buy a Pixel directly from Google (don’t buy from the carriers, they’ll be locked). Enable OEM Unlocking in the Developer menu and then plug it into USB and you can install it directly from the Graphene site via WebUSB. It takes about 5-10 minutes, then your phone will reboot (It’ll give you a scary looking screen about not running a Google OS that you’ll see every time it reboots but it’s just informational, it doesn’t affect anything and the system will boot into GrapheneOS in a second or two).
The more complete instructions and WebUSB install process:
sefra1@lemmy.zip 12 hours ago
Not sure how I should feel about this, if I should support the cause to keep android “open” (when it’s everything but), or if I should be happy that this piece of shit OS finally shows it’s true colours and people (including me) will finally be forced to find an alternative or stop using this trashware all together.
sonofearth@lemmy.world 9 hours ago
Until Linux Phones get good, we are seeing a very rough sail ahead. Or just hard fork Android ig if it’s a logical option.
sefra1@lemmy.zip 8 hours ago
I understand, but there’s a good argument that Android is the reason why GNU/Linux phones don’t get good.
The death of Android as an “open” platform would put some pressure to actual develop an alternative.
MITM0@lemmy.world 5 hours ago
In the meantime port linux OSs to be easilly installable on Android devices
biotin7@sopuli.xyz 5 hours ago
Also how do we get our hands on the geniuses behimd this fiasco ?
lechekaflan@lemmy.world 3 hours ago
Feels a lot more interesting to just pick up a feature phone, and use it as a hotspot modem for a laptop.
HubertManne@piefed.social 2 hours ago
which can do this? its my dream thing. I think I may have seen it but they were priced kinda redic.
BaroqueInMind@piefed.social 16 hours ago
So then, in 194 days, Android will be an inferior version of iOS and you may as well just switch to Apple because their devices have a better security posture.
mrnobody@reddthat.com 14 hours ago
FUCK no! Apple is dogshit locked down like crazy, so, fuck no, politely.
PalmTreeIsBestTree@lemmy.world 8 hours ago
At least I can get almost 10 years of updates on iOS.
BaroqueInMind@piefed.social 14 hours ago
I don’t know if you’re being stupid or trolling, but that’s literally what’s going to happen to Android soon anyways.
LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net 15 hours ago
It’s mostly marketing honestly. They’re both total ass.
Danitos@reddthat.com 10 hours ago
No, unless you use GrapheneOS, iOS is far more secure than Android.
goatinspace@feddit.org 12 hours ago
rajano@lemmy.world 12 hours ago
I have F-Droid on my Android phone. Iike having a marketplace where I can download floss apps.
vext01@lemmy.sdf.org 10 hours ago
I imagine lots of developers will jump to fdroid.
Not sure what closed source apps who don’t want to pay Google will do though…
jabjoe@feddit.uk 8 hours ago
You bank will be the last. Without your bank’s app, you may not be able to do online banking. Car park apps. Public car charger apps. Even theme parks now have a ride booking app. There is more and more “app for that” with no alternative.
We require law makers to get involved. America making it’s tech monopolies a visible geopolitical problem should help us.
tal@lemmy.today 16 hours ago
!linuxphones@lemmy.ca
They aren’t competitive with Android or iOS phones presently — don’t have the scale of userbase — but there’s only one way that that’s going to change, and that’s people starting to use them.
(“Linux” here as in “GNU/Linux”, as opposed to “the Linux kernel”, which Android phones also use.)
turboSnail@piefed.europe.pub 12 hours ago
That’s generally true. Personally, I enjoy using a laptop way more than using a mobile device of any kind.
However, modern life is beginning to require mobile apps (Android or iOS). More and more things simply aren’t available as a website or FOSS. You have to have a vanilla mainstream mobile device to do certain things like using your bank account. I really hate that.
Hardware peripherals are another area that really sucks. If you want to enjoy the comforts of modern life, many people just bow down and use one of the two mobile platforms in order to use their smart ring/scale/lights/curtains/heating/car, etc.
Resisting all that is getting increasingly difficult, because there’s so much to resist. On the other hand, it’s also becoming increasingly appealing as enshittification intensifies.
Zak@lemmy.world 13 hours ago
(“Linux” here as in “GNU/Linux”, as opposed to “the Linux kernel”, which Android phones also use.)
I feel compelled to point out that PostmarketOS, one of the popular Linux phone options is not, in fact GNU. It’s based on musl and BusyBox, not glibc and GNU utils.
drdalek@lemmy.dbzer0.com 13 hours ago
Gonna have to wing Ubuntu touch and figure it out as i go. Fuck this shit. Access the boot loader while you can
tabular@lemmy.world 16 hours ago
How do I “uncertify” by Android device? Install a fork I guess. Shame it’s not as easy as installing a new OS on the desktop.
morto@piefed.social 15 hours ago
Are there any details on how it will be implemented? Will it affect older versions or just new/updated devices?
workerONE@lemmy.world 13 hours ago
IMO the big problem with this is for old APKs that were created before this new developer registration requirement- you won’t be able to install them at all without rooting or using a different vanilla Android version.
I don’t see that it really prohibits new app development or install.
There would be a problem if their developer registration process was difficult or used as a restriction somehow to govern who can register. But if they just require that developer’s real identities are known to Google is really a matter of developer privacy, am I wrong?
What is the upside to this, to prevent scammers from anonymously streaming people’s money with fake apps?
Sxan@piefed.zip 15 hours ago
It was þis which prompted me to take þe plunge and order an FLX1s. I’ve been completely off Android for two weeks now. Mobile Linux is coming along just in time. Maybe just barely; I wouldn’t recommend Phosh to anyone but enthusiasts, but it’s getting þere, if slowly.
doug@lemmy.today 15 hours ago
They’re gonna take away my Projectivy, aren’t they? 😔
NoblityAbility@lemmy.world 4 hours ago
Hopefully there will be decentralized options to this issue
kosanovskiy@lemmy.world 13 hours ago
So what other os that is supported with security updates and still works with whatapp/fb/insta sideloading is there? For me the security support and access to messaging apps is most important since that is what i use mostly. Any ideas?
ushmel@piefed.world 16 hours ago
Really no point in having an android anymore, might as well as get the iphone
FUCKING_CUNO@lemmy.dbzer0.com 16 hours ago
I’m assuming that this would apply to any “flavor” of android? So Graphene is not immune from this?
3t13nn3@lemmy.zip 11 hours ago
I thought installing apps through ADB will still be possible ? So we can assume it will be possible with shizuku ?
TheSeveralJourneysOfReemus@lemmy.world 50 minutes ago
I wonder… I know that we used to mod our consoles due to the limits of ‘certified’ official software.