Opening my weather app this morning I was greeted by this warning:
Google has announced that, starting in 2026/2027, all apps on certified Android devices will require the developer to submit personal identity details directly to Google. Since the developers of this app do not agree to this requirement, this app will no longer work on certified Android devices after that time.
It’s the first time I hear about this, seems to be about:
Cirrus app: Github
Was this a big thing I somehow missed? I hope more devs will follow suit.
I’ve only ever used Android, dating back to the T-Mobile G1. I think I’m now ready to switch to iPhone. If I’m going to be pigeonholed into a completely walled garden, it might as well be with a company that knows what they are doing.
I really don’t want to switch, but probably will for my next upgrade.
Screw that!
Get a Fairphone with /e/OS before you switch to the rotten apple.
I absolutely get what you’re saying, and a good part of me agrees with you. Here is the thing, I’m tired boss. I’ve made an effort my whole life to use open source, privacy friendly everything.
I’m now to the point where I don’t have time for messing with phones. Fixing broken stuff, compatibility, etc etc.
I need a powerful phone with a great camera that just works.
But be warned, the camera app is borked (at least on the FP6)
Honestly considering the same. Sideloading is the only reason to stick with Android and that’s now going away. Apple devices have more power, better battery life, better displays, etc etc etc. Especially considering the “base” 17 is now actually a really good value while Pixel prices have skyrocketed in recent years to iPhone levels (presumably for AI shit I don’t even want).
I was also looking at the 17, and it looks like a great option. A 16 pro might also be a good option