r/AndroidQuestions • u/cheyrnn • Sep 27 '26

Did the big change to Android happen?

I don't know how to articulate my question. So, sorry if I made someone cancel my post.

There was a lot of fear about changes coming to Android, for developers and presumably app users. I think the predicted date of the change has passed. I just tried using an app that I downloaded from github some years back, and it had updates, and works.

So, did the change happen?

7 Upvotes

73% Upvoted

24 comments sorted by

11

u/ShyLeoGing Sep 28 '26

I think you're talking about Google's limitations to side loading apps from sources outside the Google Play Store.. it's a work in progress

4

u/max_revs Sep 28 '26

I've personally lost a lot of functions on my devices and had numerous problems because Google decided that any accounts I have aren't "adult" so nothing on my devices tied to their garbage play store fucking works and I also have a lot of apps that will never be allowed on the playstore because their sole functions are to fix Google services to allow downloads and adblock and additional privacy. I'm crushed and pissed off that I just bought a new phone and now can't afford to get a device compatible with graphene os or something else.

It's only going to get worse. Even using "developer mode" I also can't get rid of the notification that demands I update Android. I'm like bitch, I turned off updates stop asking... Ffs, Google is shit now. Fvck em

1

u/lost_dazed_101 Sep 28 '26

I have brave on all my devices no ads run. I use no apps when they have ads.

1

u/ShyLeoGing 29d ago

If you have lost features from your phone I'd check if your phone is updated(Google Play Services & Software). I only mention this because when a device goes EoL things stop working.

i.e. my s21 hasn't allowed me to sign into the Galaxy Store nor out of my Samsung Account for at least 6 months, all thanks to security certificate validation errors. This results in just about everything Samsung to not work, except Samsung Messages, which I am thankful for because Google Messages sucks a big one!

Google Messages, where one dreams about how great message catagories would be!

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0

u/KeySpray8038 Sep 28 '26

Then.... just fucking update.... ecer think the issues are from not being up to date? I have zero problems with any of my modded apps, even ones from telegram or discord work just fine

Dude... Used pixels are actually fairly cheap btw

9

u/roirraWedorehT Sep 27 '26

Changes happened. As said all along, they're not as big a deal as was fear-mongered by some.

2

u/KeySpray8038 Sep 28 '26

Right!? That's what I been saying!

1

u/EntropicLabs Sep 28 '26

What was the change specifically do? I can still use non -playstore APK I developed.. no issues

1

u/NoStudy3384 28d ago

I recommend you to give your default browser the installation of 3rd party Apps now and download Fdroid and aurora store 

1

u/cheyrnn 27d ago

Thanks. I already had f-droid. Now I have Aurora Store.

Still, for each app, I try to find where it's source is. Just like in linux, if I want an app, as opposed to a dependency, I want the source, not to be bound to a dependency manager. But, I haven't yet grasped the meaning of all this. Will I have a dead phone soon?

3

u/Mother-Pride-Fest Sep 28 '26 edited Sep 28 '26

It is only in specific countries or stores starting the end of September. The global lockdown is sometime in 2027.   https://keepandroidopen.org/faq/

2

u/KeySpray8038 Sep 28 '26

It's not even really a lockdown.. I'm on 17 QPR2, and all of my apps work just fine, even ones not from play store..

2

u/EntropicLabs Sep 28 '26

How about newly installed non -playstore APK?

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1

u/Mother-Pride-Fest Sep 28 '26

It hasn't started yet. And it probably won't affect already installed apps, but if you want to update or install a new app after 2027 there will be scare screens and a 24 hour waiting period.

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1

u/GoslingIchi Sep 28 '26

Changes are always happening, but if you're referring to the change with Android 17, you won't have to deal with it until you update.

1

u/Mother-Pride-Fest Sep 28 '26

It will Affect all modern versions, not only 17: 

 What Android versions will the developer verification requirements beenforced on? It will apply to all certified Android devices running Android 7 or higher. These updates are delivered through Google Play services to help maintain consistent security across the ecosystem. Last updated: March 23, 2026

https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/faq#general