Keep Android Open - Hacker News

Posted by LorenDB 10/29/2025

2693 points | 889 commentspage 6

WaitWaitWha 10/29/2025|

I think this might be an opportunity for runner-up mobile hardware manufacturers to build their models so alternate OSes can be loaded.

socrateslee 10/30/2025||

in https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/09/lets-talk-... install an app via adb is not affected, seems that means the wrapper software of adb will prosper.

BoredPositron 10/29/2025||

Kill it so we get a chance to see a new competitor.

nicman23 10/29/2025|

have you seen the stupidity that is trying to develop for ie qualcomm soc if you are a small fry?

BoredPositron 10/29/2025||

It won't get better if nothing changes.

nicman23 10/30/2025||

honestly x86_64 has kinda caught up with arm in power to wattage

egorfine 10/29/2025||

What makes me depressed the most is that Google made this decision knowing full well how much pushback they are going to receive.

And still.

ape4 10/29/2025||

Perhaps Android could run sideloaded apps in a container. I know Android apps are already somewhat contained by userid.

NoobPretender 10/29/2025|

perhaps the users should be allowed to install whatever they want on the devices they own? this "security" narrative google spews is weak, considering how much malware fails to be detected by play store

wiredpancake 10/30/2025||

[dead]

erelong 10/30/2025||

top comment seems to be on point, it's time for more of a focus on linux mobile (or mobile linux)... this has been known to be needed for years and some progress has been made on it and more can be made with more people getting involved (postmarketos, mobian, ubuntu touch, etc.)

phendrenad2 10/29/2025||

We need hardware. Why aren't there 5G RF modules that connect via some standard interface like PCIe?

bogwog 10/29/2025||

I wonder if filing a complaint at the FTC is a waste of time due to the current government shutdown?

ksec 10/29/2025||

Related question, is Modern Android as good if not better than iOS? Or does iOS still have an edge?

deanc 10/29/2025|

EDIT: apologies I misunderstood that this is limiting third-party distribution. I am of course, in favour of this.

Original comment:

I don't want this. The App Store on iOS has its flaws, but it's a curated system that has a lot of checks in place to prevent malware. I have never felt unsafe on iOS and it's the primary reason I've not joined Android and the Play Store's wild west.

adithyassekhar 10/29/2025||

I can't emphasize this enough, your comment is 100% wrong.

This is about only allowing play verified apps. Play store will remain whatever you think of it regardless of this move.

franczesko 10/29/2025||

What this has to do with the topic, if you're on iOS?

deanc 10/29/2025||

Because I'd actually be interested in an Android phone if Google locks down the play store to legitimate actors, increases the barrier for entry and improves the quality and safety of submissions. Which this looks to be doing?

celsoazevedo 10/29/2025|||

This is not Google locking down the Play Store, it's them restricting distribution outside the Play Store, which you don't have to do in any case.

deanc 10/29/2025||

Apologies. I did _NOT_ gather that from reading the OP.

koiueo 10/29/2025||||

Why would you be interested in Android?

Isn't iOS a pinnacle of UI/UX loaded with most innovative features in the world backed by the most genius CEOs of all times?

SXX 10/29/2025||||

You should just check submission link contents before commenting. This just locks down apps outside of google play.

wiseowise 10/29/2025|||

> Android phone if Google locks down the play store to legitimate actors, increases the barrier for entry and improves the quality and safety of submissions

Locks down how? This is literally how it is from the start. Ignoring the fact that it is completely unrelated to the topic, this is just wrong regardless.

More comments...