Google cracks down! APKs, ROMs, and Emulators banned — is Android freedom over?
m.economictimes.com
Google is implementing a significant policy shift, banning unverified APKs, ROMs, and certain emulators on certified Android devices starting in 2026. This move, aimed at enhancing security and combating malware, will restrict app distribution to verified developers. Critics argue this move curtails Android's famed openness, potentially impacting custom ROMs and retro gaming enthusiasts.

If I am already using a rooted but proprietary smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S23), downloading my apps from other sources than Google Play, how would Google be able to control what I do with it? If necessary, I could just stay on my current OS build as well. All in all, while politically and philosophically, Google’s new policy is bad, I don’t feel threatened by it with my current understand of the situation and technology…

  • circuscritic@lemmy.ca
    3·
    7 hours ago

    I don’t necessarily disagree, but the fact they walked back the original policy because it was so unpopular leads me to believe they are trying to save face by implementing a PITA way of enabling unknown sources, such as through ADB.

    The reason why I suspect that is because even with the original policy change, they were still going to allow unsigned apps to be installed via ADB.

    But I guess we’ll just have to wait and find out.

    • INeedMana@piefed.zipEnglish
      3·
      7 hours ago

      I think they got afraid such strict policy would put wind in the sails of Linux Phone initiatives

      But I might be jaded