2026 Android platform to be paid use only.

[Chappell101]

Love to hear some fellow Samsung fans views on where they feel the base operating system is heading longterm, It has a lot of potential. Is security under/overvalued, usability changing, could platform accessibility be improved?

TLDR = Is it correct Android is forcing e-waste and development is becoming fee access only next year?

With recent changes to prevent unlocking the bootloader for custom ROMs devices have become closer to a long term hardware rental now, similar to Apple. I'd read a comment that this was due to EU changes but I've not investigated fully enough to comment as it doesn't affect me for another 5 years but it was one of the founding principles of the open source platform. One I appreciated as a Linux fan.

I personally have zero issue with devices being locked during a company support cycle (It boosts security) but it is a shame to become e-waste if not released after Samsung no longer wishes to support the hardware. This means users no longer have access to new OS security patches through projects like LineageOS where purchasers could have repurposed the device to hundreds of other uses. These also officially rely on 3rd party open source app stores like F-Droid so it's not for everyone I understand but Android was about choice.

Of course, users could alternatively just benefit from the current delay (Should it still be there) in older app removal from the Google PlayStore staying on the last supported original OS as we are only getting to the OS14 limit now, so you gain a few extra years that way too just without additional system security patches.

The biggest change in approach however I have seen backing this up now in the last few days is Google's upcoming requirement (Sep 2026) for external 3rd party apps to also be registered with them even though they will not be even provided by the PlayStore to be able to install on any Android phone using Play Services at all. I also have no issue with this as it assists security again as any reputable open source community app lead will have nothing to hide. These projects are there to help everyone regardless of societal income learn and be efficient (Community mean a lot to me). The problem is that Google is going to gatekeep this requirement behind a one time $25 fee (Approx £20). You can learn more from Google herehttps://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html?m=1

Yes, this might not sound much but open source projects where users volunteer their time to help others collectively are free and not about making money. Is it therefore fair to then withhold the opportunity for developer groups to create solutions for others or to reduce the right of users to fully utilise their purchased hardware behind another charge? Google notes they are creating another system for educational and hobbyists so I do have hope still, I just haven't seen any information on what qualifies and what any possible exceptions will be.

I doubt Epic Game Store devs will be phased here at all but this could be just enough of a discouragement for some group F-Driod apps to ever get off the ground. I support security 100% it just needs to be free otherwise you could argue there is also the potential for this being planned obsolescence. One thats potentially been delt with now repairs are to become easier extending device timelifes thanks to the EU to stop it effecting sales.

Please feel free to share your viewpoints, especially from some of the heavier mobile users like the Stars on here. Maybe I'm being too idealistic.

I'm aware some Chinese brands could evade this by using their own stores limiting software you can add F-Driod alongside but for western users these aren't the devices we typically have available for purchase. Apple also charge a much more confusing fee for external store installs in the EU but Android had previously been the haven from this.

I wonder how much extra money Google can make from this. I looks like it only effects the app owner as best i can see on the registration page but if it does require certification per developer. This could bring in a reasonable little bump in revenue when first applied next year.

[Moiramon]

I suppose it's all about security. It's a shame that you can't put a custom ROM on your phone when it's no longer updated. Although if you could you're relying on the custom ROM to be secure and that's risky. The same goes for side loading apps. You're never sure what you're installing. So for me I think it's mostly a good thing. I dabbled with custom roms in the early days but most missed some functions or had errors.

[Chappell101]

You're right I prefer the security too, I only saw ROMs as expired device recycling you can only gain at that point. I'd imagine this will reduce LineageOS and GrapheneOS considerably now so they may become a thing of the past.

I'm also not suggesting small self hosted APKs as this would be a concern for me too. F-Droid is the largest Android open source repository where the code is visible for the community to verify so it is actually heavily scrutinised TBH unlike some bad apps that slip past Google and they also check for viruses ect in the service so it is much lower risk but of course something could slip through as it's not a paid review I guess. I don't think fear should suppress open source though. If the software isn't given the same reviews as Googles Play Store ones are, should there really be a need to pay? Foreign developers may find this expensive.

Maybe F-Droid needs to ask for donations like Wiki to pay for the developer certifications.

LineageOS is open source and should anyone ever use it I would only get it from them but you're right it's not a security-focused platform. It's for tinkering and repurposing a device. It's pretty well established now but trusting it would come down to how you feel about companies I guess. I trust Canonical but I've certainly never tried to read all the code it works upon, I doubt I'd live long enough to.

Couldn't you say the same thing about many 3rd party Windows applications as not all of those even have the benefit of being secured through a store but it's normal for many?

[JAMES4578]

I place more value on the security side and am careful with APK's though some sites are  fairly reliable.  However  I realise the benefits of the open source platform and experimentation  which has  drawn a number to Android.  Personally   have never been  much into custom Roms  and we do not go into much detail on that or advise it on this community. 

However I realise that some will have issues  with the new policies, one area of concern though could be with Emulators  as some developers may not be comfortable with giving Google more information and  I appreciate the advantages  that some see with the smaller players. 

[Star_girl]

Sorry, I have not read the whole thread, hopefully I will do later in the night, but I just popped in to say that I don't feel comfortable to pay for all the AI features in the phone, at least AI Photo Editor and Text Assist should still be free.

[Chappell101]

Apologies if I'm not to mention ROM projects. I've not said how to use them here as there are far more knowledgeable people externally and that wasn't really the scope of my discussion. It was something I just took for granted would be there on Android. I was on iOS during its hayday.

I just felt it's noteworthy for discussion the interesting changes Google is making at the moment in an attempt to improve the Android platform that may interest more dev minded in the community.

I think it will give some smaller developers more credibility having the certification which is good. My only issue with it is the price (Even if small) not the actual validation check. Education to me should always be free, why I'm so interested in what Google chooses to do regarding the hobbyists. They should be rather one of the VIP clientele since they often end up moving to the Play Store to share revenue. Hardware isn't everything, If you don't have the content to use it. I definitely miss the more active indie dev scene on iOS. It's just more open source on Android.

Presumably, many emulators using only legitimate methods are already in the Play Store but I can see more extensive external projects being problematic with so many involved.

I asked Gemini what it thought 🤣
"Third-party app stores carry more risk than the Google Play Store, but reputable options exist. Samsung Galaxy Store is a trusted alternative for Samsung users. F-Droid is a safe, community-run store focusing on free and open-source software. APKMirror is a website trusted for providing verified APK files."

[JAMES4578]

Fine,yes it is ok to mention customer Roms briefly but just not to provide detailed information or advice (which you have not). Yes I get your point and I think beneficial to talk about the Android changes. Yes would only effect some emulators but an area where some feel there could be uni tended consequences.

[Moiramon]

It's not about AI features. It's about locked bootloaders.

[Star_girl]

Tbh this whole thread is very interesting, can't wait to read it all.

[Chappell101]

I don't think we will see all AI features go paid. With multiple providers for those sorts of tools, there is likely always to be free options they just may not be as integrated together. Heck, I'm not paying Google's £235 a month for full Ultra access. Even the discount Pro is quite expensive for something still learning.

The post is in regard to Googles approach to dealing with external app developers. Think paid on Epic Game Store, open source on F-Driod and say people who use custom build APK's on Github ect.

I wonder how much extra revenue £20 from every developer brings in.

For the positive slight security gain it brings, I have concerns it could affect the open source community.