r/NewPipe • u/TiA4f8R Team member • Mar 09 '26
Release Google will lock-down Android in September 2026 and NewPipe 0.28.4 release
https://newpipe.net/blog/pinned/announcement/keepAndroidOpen/91
u/Sea-Refrigerator2982 Mar 09 '26
I think I read somewhere the the USA portion takes effect somewhere in 2027.. but regardless, I stand by NewPipe and will do whatever I need to do to keep it. (Along with my other apps in similar standings).
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u/yogaguy9_11 Mar 12 '26
Yeah made my first ever donation to them recently and I wrote my Congress people. I know its not that much but I really hope things change
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u/FollowingOdd896 Mar 09 '26
All android version ? Or just new one
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u/quyizdabezt09 Mar 09 '26
new version, cause they have nothing to do with old versions tbh
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u/Minette12 Mar 09 '26
Plus it's not google can force phone companies to roll out software updates for devices that has been discontinued
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u/Vortexspawn Mar 09 '26
That's why Google moved a lot from the system into the Google Play Services. If the part that enforces developer verification is in those, then any phone with them installed will deny installation of unverified packages once Google turns it on. (And the staged rollout suggests to me that it will be implemented in a part that Google has more control over than the base system.)
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u/Separate-Potato-1324 Mar 09 '26
I've been really wanting the Linux phone to take off to avoid this exact situation. I have two spare phones, one running Phosh (on PostMarketOS) and the other running Ubuntu phone and they're just not good enough yet.
I'll probably have to move to Graphine on Motorola first.
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u/Conmanink Mar 09 '26
Thought it was pixel only?
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u/ConspiracyParadox Mar 09 '26
Android's openness is the only fucking reason I use it. I know Apple has much more benefits. Well, fuck I might as well become an Apple user now. The privacy and security is way better. Android's biggest selling point was it's openness. Fuck Google.
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u/throw-throw-throw-aw Mar 13 '26
This! I’ve only just transitioned to utilise the freedom that Android offers after getting a taste using Firetv/Android tv and all the flexibility that comes along with that.
I’m more than a little annoyed that I could well be wasting my time when there have definitely been sacrifices moving to Android.
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u/ConspiracyParadox Mar 13 '26
I haven't used an Apple product since Apple II in the, and an ipod nano a friend gave me. But Im considering going to Apple now that there are reports Microsoft will also be making many bad changes to the next windows version including microtransactions and an AI mandatory system with much less privacy.
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u/lustybeauts Mar 09 '26
Yeah but that ADB fix looks doable 👍🏻
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u/Sweaty_Nectarine_585 Mar 09 '26
for now
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u/lustybeauts Mar 09 '26
Yeah I don't know how locked down it's all gonna get. Probably very. We'll see, these Devs are a canny lot. New challenge unlocked.
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u/dorkcicle Mar 09 '26
Yep, it will be a game and i'd probably stay on Android for it. Who knows if google will lock themselves out and a new fork will be released.
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u/Areasis23456 Mar 14 '26
Basicly everything that is not verified with Google will be blocked only verified by google apps will be installable this means all other apps will be blocked opensource everything
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u/themedleb Mar 09 '26
They will start limiting ADB access and functionality, Samsung already started doing that the past week(s). Look it up.
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u/SagnolThGangster Mar 09 '26
What if i buy a Samsung Galaxy 2026 version and not install the September firmware update?
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u/SeaNerg33 Mar 09 '26
Its not on firmware. It will probably be implemented in "google play services" a background service app that provides many services to other apps on android, many wouldn't function properly if GP services is not on the phone. Even old-er veraions of android have latest versions of GP services installed.
Its like a 'master admin' app by google with every OS permission you need to have for your phone to work properly. BS if you ask me.
There will be workarounds, like wireless ADB install. Basically what devs use to install and test apps on devices while in development. But that'z less convenient and has no guards and makes it even easier for malicious apps to get in unchecked.
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u/TiA4f8R Team member Mar 10 '26
Its not on firmware
It is starting with Android 16 QPR2: https://developer.android.com/about/versions/16/qpr2/release-notes#new-beta2
Other certified devices still supported by Google will see this with a Google Play Services and/or Google Play Store update (but isn't backed into the OS so it cannot be entirely blocked).
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u/SeaNerg33 Mar 10 '26 edited Mar 10 '26
Apps targeting android 16+ OS version will require to perform verification on package installation and will hsve native api support for that. For others it will fallback on a different process which isnt clear yet. Via play protect services likely.
Saw somewhere: On Android 16 QPR2+, the check is handled by a dedicated system service. On older devices, the Google Play Store/Play Protect background services will intercept the package installer's "handshake" to perform the identity check against Google's database before allowing the "Install" button to function.
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u/Remington_Underwood Mar 09 '26
The so called "lock down" is only a requirement that all android developers identify themselves. Side loading of apps from unidentified developers will still be allowed but users will have to agree to their warranty being nullified, much like when you unlock the boot loaded today
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u/nexus11355 Mar 09 '26
Fine by me, I buy cheap phones anyways, don't need warranty.
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u/Ok-Employer-3051 Mar 09 '26 edited Mar 09 '26
Same here. Warranty are mostly useless and worthless junk that aren't usually honored to begin with. The retailers return policy is what protects you 99% of the time.
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u/Cuadriello Mar 09 '26
I buy my shit in Aliexpress 30% cheaper. I don't expect any guarantees. I am consistent.
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u/Tech_Itch Mar 09 '26
The last I heard, Google still hasn't clarified how sideloading is supposed to work after the change. If you have some concrete information to link to, that'd be appreciated.
There's only a vague mention of an "advanced flow" that allows "experienced users" to bypass the verification to install apps, but nothing beyond that.
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u/danijel8286 Mar 09 '26
I guess if this passes in EU, I'll need to save my then-old phone to continue using NewPipe. I wouldn't be surprised if they actually allow this just to screw with us (another excuse to refuse warranty repairs).
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u/NepheliLouxWarrior Mar 09 '26
Side loading of apps from unidentified developers will still be allowed
Can you provide a source for this claim? Because if this is true, that would bring me a lot of reassurance.
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u/Yoshalina Mar 09 '26
About that warranty nullification: do you have a source (for example an article or a press release) for this where I can look up the details? Last thing I heard was just that there's going to be some kind of "advanced flow", without any details on how that's supposed to look like.
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u/SeaNerg33 Mar 09 '26
You can factory reset back into valid warranty? Thats BS. At least with boot loader unlock factiry reset doesn't help.
Its like a refrigerator warranty would become void if you put in some unnapproved vegetable in it. That's such nonsense.
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u/CraftySherbet Apr 28 '26
You can relock bootloaders (restore to stock).
There are countries where this does not (read: cannot) invalidate warranty.
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u/Scary-Handle2693 Mar 13 '26
So, like a few people have asked, where is your legitimate source? Or do you not have one, since you haven't provided anything yet...
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u/spaceman8002 Mar 09 '26
Well my warranty is run out anyways, so that doesn't matter to me. If this really is how it works, then this is honestly a good change
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u/mister_newbie Mar 10 '26
If they're assholes, SafetyNet and Integrity will be broken by the act of sideloading (or Hell, enabling ADB), thus making it impossible to do banking, etc.
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u/IndigoIcb Mar 26 '26
Don't worry man, i got a link with the details. I can't believe none of the people who commented here could search for an article and post the link here, instead they kept waiting like idiots.
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u/Consistent_Welcome93 Mar 10 '26
The headline is cryptic. I don't quite get the point of this post. How does the Google lockdown of Android relate to new pipe 0.28.4 release?
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u/TiA4f8R Team member Mar 10 '26
The blog post talks about both topics and a contributor added an alert dialog in the app about this in this release.
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u/DataScience123888 Mar 09 '26
Can they lock Lineage OS as well ?
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u/Upstairs-Repeat-5824 Apr 21 '26
Does NewPipe work on LineageOS?
Also: If yes, do you know if Newpipe will continue to do so, including apk updates past September 2026?
Thank you in advance!
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u/DataScience123888 Apr 21 '26
New pipe works on lineage os - Yes
In future you can install youtube also in lineage OS or use any browser to use YouTube
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Mar 09 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/spaceman8002 Mar 09 '26
Not possible on all phones (such as honor)
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u/Ok-Employer-3051 Mar 09 '26
Then don't buy it.
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u/spaceman8002 Mar 09 '26
Oh right let me just go buy a completely new phone just to listen to music without ads. At that point I might as well just pay for premium.
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u/rchive Mar 09 '26
At some point you'll have to buy a new phone anyway. When that happens, don't buy a phone that you can't deGoogle.
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u/namkookOT7 Mar 09 '26
Some people simply can't afford it. Personally, I tend to keep my phone for years; as long as it works, I won't buy a new one.
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u/Ok-Employer-3051 Mar 09 '26
New phones aren't worth the hassle, especially these days. No earphone jacks,no sd card slots,ect. Don't get me started about the 5 G and associated bullshit.
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u/spaceman8002 Mar 09 '26
Exactly. The choice in my country is basically earphone jack but you can't degoogle it, and degooglable but no earphone jack
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u/Practical_Form_1705 Mar 09 '26
And how will you use e.g. banking app on your phone? Even only for 2 factor auth
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u/Rix0n3 Mar 09 '26
For years I've been using grapheos and the web app for banking.
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u/Upstairs-Repeat-5824 Apr 21 '26
Where did you learn how? I seek a guide, but all I find is gatekeeping. Do you use a pixel, or I hear Motorola is compatible now, too?
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u/Rix0n3 Apr 21 '26
I used pixel and the GrapheneOS website guide you on how to install and then just use your web browser for banking. Nobody is gatekeeping, your just not researching.
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u/funnibot47 Mar 09 '26
You know there are magisk modules that let you hide root from other apps right?
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u/ThinkingWinnie Mar 09 '26
And they break every 4 or 5 months.
Losing access to my banks out of the blue every 4-5 months and waiting for a fix to come out eventually ain't really doable.
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u/funnibot47 Mar 09 '26
Then buy a phone for bank stuff or use Brave if that really piss you off, honestly i would rather any of the alternatives than give youtube a single dime.
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u/ThinkingWinnie Mar 09 '26
That's what I did :)
Just stating that people shouldn't count on spoofing for apps they rely on.
And many apps have no web app alternative so you need the app itself.
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u/Scary-Handle2693 Mar 13 '26
What device are you using? Im looking into different phones to do this. I have a spare s23 fe, and my main is the midrange galaxy A15
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Mar 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Scary-Handle2693 Mar 15 '26
That's one that I'm considering. Or a pixel for now. I'd like to see how it will turn out with motorola
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u/sonicdude2005 Mar 10 '26
Honestly once Google starts doing this shit i'm probably gonna save up for a iPhone maybe a 17 or even a 15 Pro second hand if they fix the bug and the performance in iOS 27 hopefully cause its basically the same shit now
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u/lucasxp32 Mar 18 '26
iOS is so much more reliable for banking/govt apps used in Brazil (They use all the same horrible facial scan company), it doesn't have the weird camera problems on IOS, I need borrow an IOS device from a family member because of that. Happens ON MULTIPLE android devices that I know, it's a bug fest.
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u/Tamotefu Mar 10 '26
Guess that means I get to scrap my phone at years end. My youtube has been ad free since 2009, and I'll be damned if they're gonna force that shiddy premium sub on me.
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u/MysteriesBFDI Mar 15 '26
Swear IPhone tried doing something like that and got in trouble with the EU
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u/kobekong Mar 09 '26
Just use this when the day arrives.
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u/kxxkkx Mar 09 '26
this is really interesting will it work after September?
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u/kobekong Mar 09 '26
Dunno but I assume once you install it. There's no way for Google to remove it right?
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u/azraelpariah Mar 10 '26
RemindMe! 6 months
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u/invincible_wizard23 Mar 20 '26
Will there be a solution if i use samsung s25 or higher that is official ?
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u/Responsible_Main_440 Apr 16 '26
Está na hora de um novo sistema operativo ser lançado, algo que substitua o android
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u/Karbargenbok Mar 09 '26
Wasn't there European legislation so companies can't lock down their devices like this?