developers will have the same freedom to distribute their apps directly to users through sideloading or to use any app store they prefer.
No. Devs will now need to have and maintain a Fuckle Account.
So at least in 2027 I need to install a custom ROM, or else half of the apps I have will not work anymore.
To be fair, you probably should have been using a custom ROM without Google Play services long before this. I’ve been doing so since 2019 already.
As someone who just recently made that leap, I have to say its not as huge and daunting of a switch as it may feel, but its also not nothing of a swap.
I’d def recommend people start by using alternative app stores and getting used to that before making the swap. Was def a helpful first step for myself.
I’d def recommend people start by using alternative app stores and getting used to that before making the swap.
Very good advice! If you use Aurora Store (which can be done with normal, “stock” Android as well) you can also check whether an app requires Google Play Services (or a replacement like microG) to function. Alternatively, you can just look up apps through Plexus (which is what the Aurora Store uses to provide that information). This can give you an idea of whether or not you can live without any kind of sandboxing or replacement of Google Play Services if/when you switch to a custom ROM.
I think it’s super important to take privacy transitions slowly so you don’t get overwhelmed or cut yourself off unexpectedly. I’ve seen so many people burn out from privacy fatigue because they tried to change everything at once based off generic advice in YouTube videos or reddit/Lemmy threads without ever taking the time to work out what they wanted to accomplish or what they were willing to sacrifice.
Unfortunately, some government ID and bank apps do not work without play services. Those apps are used for everything in some countries.
How do the elderly cope?
This requirement applies to “certified Android devices” that have Play Protect and are preloaded with Google apps. The Play Store implemented similar requirements in 2023, but Google is now mandating this for all install methods, including third-party app stores and sideloading where you download an APK file from a third-party source.
Yes and I could turn it off. Stop punishing developers and users because of ignorant users and malware developers.
Google should stop lying about protecting users and say the truth. This is about getting control, reducing privacy, and protecting corporate interests.
If Google really wants to help the common user then require phone manufacturers to have a minimum of 5 years of updates and don’t hinder custom ROM development.
Sooooo I’m assuming this will block revanced?
The signing step you see at the end of each revanced install will require a registered google developer account going forward. The question of who will be brave enough to submit their real life information to sign revanced apps, as well as how long those accounts will last are anyone’s guess.
Things are just getting worse and worse. Makes me sad.
Is this even legal with the new eu laws?
Let Google know what you think: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfN3UQeNspQsZCO2ITkdzMxv81rJDEGGjO-UIDDY28Rz_GEVA/viewform
One possibly good thing from all of this is that it might give some energy and mindshare to a truly open alternatives such as postmarketOS.
This is an unacceptable change for me (especially if it will be deployed to existing phones) and it means I need to drop Android.
