@kazani: Google's 2026 developer verification will end F-Droid on Android

Google's developer verification requirement will stop apps from unverified developers installing on certified Android devices, starting September 2026 in select countries and globally in 2027. Registering requires a $25 fee, a government ID, personal details submitted to Google, and registered signing keys. F-Droid says the requirement will effectively end its project, since it cannot force open source developers to register with Google. Google promises an "advanced flow" for experienced users but has not detailed how it works, and non-certified operating systems such as GrapheneOS are not affected.