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Keep Android Open: Impact Assessment

What is Happening

In August 2025, Google announced the Android Developer Verification Program. Starting September 2026, all Android app developers must:

  1. Register centrally with Google
  2. Pay registration fees
  3. Submit government identification
  4. Upload evidence of their private signing key
  5. List all current and future app identifiers

Apps from non-registered developers will be blocked on stock Android devices.

Source

Impact on This Marketplace

Before September 2026

No impact. Users can add the repo URL in any F-Droid client and install apps normally.

After September 2026

Google will push updates via Google Play Services (not Android OS updates) that block unverified apps. Users on stock Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.) will face:

The "Advanced Flow" Workaround (10 steps):

  1. Enable Developer Mode (tap build number 7 times)
  2. Open Developer Options
  3. Toggle "Allow Unverified Packages"
  4. Enter device unlock credentials
  5. Restart device
  6. Wait 24 hours
  7. Return to unverified packages menu
  8. Choose "Allow temporarily" (7 days) or "Allow indefinitely"
  9. Confirm understanding of risks
  10. Tap "Install anyway" on each app

Critical concerns:

  • This flow runs through Google Play Services, not Android OS
  • Google can modify, restrict, or remove it at any time without user consent
  • As of March 2026, it exists only as blog posts and UI mockups — no shipping implementation verified
  • The 24-hour waiting period and warning screens are designed to discourage sideloading

On Custom ROMs

No impact. Custom ROMs without Google Play Services are not affected:

ROM Google Play Services Affected?
GrapheneOS No Not affected
CalyxOS Optional (microG) Not affected
LineageOS No Not affected
/e/OS No (microG) Not affected
Stock Android (Samsung, Pixel) Yes Affected

Our Strategy

Phase 1: Build Now (2025-2026)

Launch the marketplace while distribution is unrestricted. Build a catalog of startup apps and establish user trust.

Phase 2: Educate (September 2026+)

  • Document the Advanced Flow for stock Android users
  • Create help pages and video tutorials
  • Maintain a FAQ for common installation issues

Phase 3: Adapt (if Advanced Flow is restricted)

  • Position as the default repo for custom ROM users
  • Partner with ROM communities
  • Consider DojoCodingLabs registering as an umbrella publisher (one registered entity publishing on behalf of multiple startups)
  • Support regulatory campaigns (EU DMA, US DOJ antitrust)

What Developers Should Know

If you're publishing through this marketplace:

  • Your app will always be installable on custom ROMs
  • On stock Android post-September 2026, users may need extra steps
  • You do NOT need to register with Google to publish here
  • You retain full control of your signing key
  • We will keep this documentation updated as the situation evolves

Resources