This completely changes your phone.
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The backlash started immediately. Within hours of Google suddenly confirming its surprising decision to completely change Android’s ecosystem, to end the freedom to choose what to install and from whom, users made their thoughts clear.
“What’s the point of buying an Android then?” One Redditor asked. “I want to install whichever apps I like. Google just created the best iPhone ad with just one statement.”
And there was more of the same: “If they do this, I may as well buy an iPhone.” And “I honestly can’t imagine why anyone would choose Android over Apple today. They’ve gotten rid of everything that made them appealing.” And “going back to Apple then. If I have to be trapped in a walled garden, it should at least be a pretty one.”
Google’s rationale is to add “an extra layer of security that deters bad actors and makes it harder for them to spread harm.” It wants to do this by forcing all app developers to become certified, whether or not they upload apps to Play Store. Starting next year, you won’t be able to install any apps from uncertified developers — in any way.
“To combat malware,” a Redditor responded to this explanation. “No, they just don’t like people being able to bypass their 30% tax on everything.”
Google says the mandatory change, which starts will apply globally by 2027, will create “a safer, more trusted ecosystem benefits the entire developer community:
- Deters bad actors who prefer to operate anonymously.
- Makes it harder to spread harm by linking bad apps to their developers. This helps us hold developers accountable, enforce safety policies, and remove malicious networks.
- Boosts user confidence, helping you build relationships with new users and establish trust.”
The hardcore user response is just as clear, and we’re just a day into this backlash.
“I chose Android because you were able to install anything. You were able to root your phone, anyone could write apps for it, you could pop the back off and replace the battery, you could add an SD card. I honestly can’t imagine why anyone would choose Android over Apple today. They’ve gotten rid of everything that made them appealing.”
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