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Joe Maring \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f This is an open thread.<\/p>\n
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll below \u2014 your take might be featured in a future roundup.<\/p>\n
It feel like Google is slowly closing the walls in on Android. Perhaps the most significant recent blow was felt by power users and app developers. There are fears that the company\u2019s new stance on developer verification<\/a> could signal the end of app installations beyond the Play Store \u2014 at least as we know it. While Google has since walked back some sideloading restrictions<\/a>, now claiming that it\u2019ll develop new methods for experienced users to install unverified apps, I think it\u2019s clear that Google wants more control over apps on the platform and desires the Play Store to be the only source from which users obtain their apps.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t want to miss the best from Android Authority?<\/p>\n So, if Google were to go all in in the years to come and force users to use the Play Store exclusively on Android, would you be able to live with this limitation? Would you consider jumping ship to Apple?<\/p>\n If you were to ask me, I\u2019m genuinely unsure if I could continue with a heavily restricted Android. Although I lived much of my digital life without using apps from third-party sources<\/a>, I can\u2019t imagine returning to that situation. I now use plenty of apps installed through APKs, GitHub, F-Droid, and other sources. Many of these apps I trust more than those available on the Play Store.<\/p>\n But those are just my views. I would appreciate hearing from you. How is your relationship with Android and Google\u2019s vision of it? Let\u2019s have a conversation.<\/p>\n Here are some more questions:<\/p>\n If Google were to lock users to the Play Store completely, would you stay with Android or consider alternatives? Would you stick with Android if the Play Store was your only option for apps?<\/p>\n 64 votes<\/p>\n Yes, I have no problem with getting all my apps from the Play Store.<\/p>\n 31%<\/p>\n Yes, I’d find other ways of installing the apps I want.<\/p>\n 25%<\/p>\n Maybe, if Google cleans up the Play Store.<\/p>\n 8%<\/p>\n No, I might as well leave for Apple.<\/p>\n 28%<\/p>\n I have a more complex opinion (elaborate in the comments).<\/p>\n 8%<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc47 And if you have a specific comment related to your poll choice, or want to answer any of the questions posed above, be sure to have your say in the comments below.<\/p>\n![\"google](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png\"\/ "\\"google"){kind=icon}
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\nAre Google\u2019s plans to implement a new \u201cadvanced flow\u201d for experienced users to install unverified apps enough?
\nShould Google really tell users how to use their phones if its grounds are safety-related? What\u2019s your view on this?
\nHave you ever considered de-Googling your phone<\/a>? Are you more likely to do it now, given Google\u2019s changing stance on user freedom?
\nWhat would be the last straw for you to consider switching from Android to iOS<\/a>?<\/p>\n