Google has been trying to make Android proprietary for a few years now, and that’s not news, as many AOSP default apps have been abandoned over time in favor of proprietary Google ones. This was never a huge problem for me, as you can still use those apps without network access or use open source alternatives like Fossify on a custom ROM.

However, the situation is quickly getting worse, now that Google is actively trying to prevent the development of custom ROMs and taking a page from Apple’s book by forcing developers to beg them for permission to release apps on the Android platform, even outside of the Play Store - giving Google full control.

Is there still any hope left for privacy respecting Android ROMs? What do you think will happen next? And what would be your suggestions for those looking for a phone in 2025?

If you have a different perspective on the situation, also please comment below!

  • generator@lemmy.zip
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    2 days ago

    “Linux phones will skyrocketed” by who? Nerds, the comum user doesn’t care if Android is proprietary or opensource, they don’t even know.

    There’s already other mobile OS but have the same issue, no apps or developers interested on making apps for it.

    FirefoxOS, Ubuntu touch, something else Linux based, it’s for some nerds play on a secondary phone.

    Comum people don’t stop using Windows or macOS because it’s proprietary or a privacy nightmare. EU didn’t stop selling iPhones because it’s proprietary.

    It’s the device vendors that decide which OS would ship, and people will use it