Keep Android Open | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
Hacker News
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
F-Droid, a leading open-source Android app repository, has raised concerns over Google’s ongoing efforts to potentially “lock down” Android, despite recent reports suggesting these plans were canceled. During discussions at FOSDEM26, F-Droid discovered that many users believed Google had abandoned its restrictive strategies, only to realize no such cancellation had occurred. This misunderstanding stems from a mix of PR campaigns and incomplete information about Google’s advanced flow updates, which remain pending in Android 17 Beta 1. F-Droid warns that without action, Google could become the sole gatekeeper of Android devices, threatening the platform’s open nature.
To combat this, F-Droid has added warning banners to its website and apps, urging users to voice their concerns to relevant authorities. This initiative aligns with similar efforts by other app repositories like IzzyOnDroid and Obtainium. Meanwhile, F-Droid continues to enhance its tools, releasing a new version of F-Droid Basic 2.0-alpha3 with features like CSV export for installed apps, install history tracking, and improved sorting options. The team is also addressing post-Debian upgrade challenges and delays caused by events like FOSDEM.
In app updates, Conversations, Quicksy, and Dolphin Emulator have received significant improvements, including better user support and new functionalities. Notably, a move to reduce proprietary dependencies by directly interfacing with Google Play Services via IPC shows promise for creating a fully open-source version compatible across platforms. As Android’s future hangs in the balance, F-Droid remains committed to preserving its open-source ethos, ensuring users have access to truly free and independent software choices. This matters not just for developers but for anyone who values freedom and innovation in tech.
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/20/2026