Your phone is about to stop being yours': anger brewing among Android fans as major Google app change draws near

Date:
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:53:20 +0000

Description:
Android is about to become less open, and users aren't happy.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter A site called 'Keep Android Open' is counting down the days until Google will require app developers to verify themselves The site argues that, when this happens, your phone will stop being yours There's also growing discontent about the upcoming change on Reddit Weve known for a while that Google plans to make app developers verify themselves by handing over their ID, even when listing apps on third-party stores, but the anger at this upcoming change just keeps growing.

Now, theres even a site called Keep Android Open , with a countdown to when the change will be enacted (currently 125 days), and an explanation of their issues with it. The site argues that your phone is about to stop being yours, as Google will be able to block you from installing apps that dont come from verified developers. Google claims that this is to reduce the risk of people downloading malicious apps, and it probably will reduce that risk, but it comes with some clear downsides too. Article continues below You may like Proton, Tor, AdGuard among 40+ asking Google to reverse new 'alien security model' for Android developers Apple iOS age checks are tempting users to switch to Android GrapheneOS is taking a stand against digital age verification laws but how long can its defiance last?

Since developers need to submit their government-issued identification, pay a fee, and agree to Googles terms and conditions, its going to put some
would-be developers off, and this also makes it easier for governments to
have apps they disapprove of removed, since this requirement applies even for third-party app stores.

The site also argues that this is a betrayal of Android phone owners, since Google is retroactively locking down devices that were sold as open
platforms. An overly complex workaround (Image credit: Keep Android Open)
Now, there is supposedly going to be a way to still install unverified apps, but its a nine-step process that requires a 24-hour wait in the middle, and many Android users wont even be aware of it. Plus, as Keep Android Open
points out, the process of doing this runs entirely through Google Play Services, which means Google could change or remove this workaround at any time, with no operating system updates required.

Many Android owners over on Reddit seem similarly unhappy, saying things like time for Linux phones, so the open ecosystem was just a phase, and "yet another unnecessary requirement. So, its fair to say this isnt a popular change. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Sadly, theres no sign that Google will change course, so as things stand,
this change will happen in September. And unfortunately, its not easy to even vote with your wallet, since the main alternative to Android is iOS, which
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/android/your-phone-is-about-to-stop-being-you rs-anger-brewing-among-android-fans-as-major-google-app-change-draws-near


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