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Android is open source, but your phone isn't—here's why Google locked it down

Android has come to dominate the global smartphone marketplace, and a large part of why this has happened is thanks to its open-source nature. Any phone maker can put Android on its phones with no ...
Android Police

Open source software that streamlined my Android usage in surprising ways

Chris Thomas was a reporter at Android Police from 2022 until 2025. Most people get a lot of mileage out of Google's first-party software and other popular apps that get tons of recommendations. I ...
TechRepublic

Open-Source Android Apps at Risk Under Google’s New Decree

F-Droid says Google’s developer registration rule could end its open-source app store and strand users. Google defends verification as a security step. Google’s new developer registration decree is ...
Android Police

Why Android users should switch to open source apps

I’ve been covering Android since 2023, when I joined Android Police, mostly focusing on AI and everything around Pixel and Galaxy phones. I’ve got a bachelor’s in IT with a major in AI, so I naturally ...
Android Authority

NewPipe, other open-source apps are preparing users for Google's sideloading crackdown on Android

Developers of open-source Android apps, including NewPipe, have begun warning users about Google’s upcoming sideloading restrictions. NewPipe’s developers refuse to comply with Google’s proposed ...
Android Authority

Android 16 QPR1’s source code is nowhere to be found, but Google swears it’s coming

Google has delayed releasing the source code for Android 16 QPR1, worrying custom ROM developers who rely on timely AOSP (Android Open Source Project) updates. While Google typically publishes source ...
InfoWorld

Google’s Android developer verification program draws pushback

In an open letter to Google and the Android developer community, Keep Android Open argues that the new policy threatens innovation, competition, privacy, and user freedom. Google’s planned Android ...