The Android you loved is CHANGING...

I'm starting to get worried about the future of Android... Join this channel to get access to perks: https://bit.ly/Join9to5Google Love podcasts? Try Pixelated: A 9to5Google Podcast - https://pca.st/nj4u Subscribe ► https://bit.ly/9to5G | Read sources: Side-loading & Developer Verification: https://9to5google.com/2025/08/25/android-apps-developer-verification/ Android Development Goes Private: https://9to5google.com/2025/03/26/google-android-aosp-developement-private/ Graphene on Twitter: https://x.com/GrapheneOS/status/1963812920673861981 CalyxOS Community Update: https://calyxos.org/news/2025/06/26/community-update-android-16/ Bootloader Changes: https://9to5google.com/2025/07/26/samsung-galaxy-one-ui-8-bootloader-unlock/ https://9to5google.com/2025/08/14/oneplus-bootloader-unlock-android-16-changes/ RCS Custom Roms: https://9to5google.com/2024/02/29/google-messages-rcs-rooted/ FTC: We use income-earning auto-affiliate links: https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate Want to sponsor the next 9to5Google video? Get in touch: [email protected] ## Follow us https://www.instagram.com/9to5google/ https://twitter.com/9to5Google/ https://facebook.com/9to5Google/ Damien: https://www.threads.net/@damienwildeyt Jordan: https://twitter.com/JordanInTheKnow 🎥 Other channels 🎥 https://youtube.com/9to5Mac/ https://youtube.com/electrekco/ https://youtube.com/9to5Toys/ https://youtube.com/dronedj/ Damien's favorite gear: - Panasonic Lumix S5 II X: https://amzn.to/3Vqce8E - Panasonic 85mm f1.8: https://amzn.to/3rkwHdQ - Sigma 28-70mm f2.8: https://amzn.to/4ahsoW2 - Godox SL-60W: https://amzn.to/3exGWGA - RODE NTG-3: https://amzn.to/3iidwNu Jordan's favorite gear: - Canon R8: https://amzn.to/3URdIIN - Canon RF 50mm F1.8: https://amzn.to/3UGwIti - Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone: https://amzn.to/3SIO6ej - MacBook Pro 14-inch: https://amzn.to/3I6ZDPA - Godox SL-60W: https://amzn.to/3wnmUu4 - NEEWER 72 Inch Tripod: https://amzn.to/49FZqP7 Timestamps 00:00 – Concerns About Android’s Direction 00:41 – Sideloading Restrictions (2026 Verification System) 02:28 – AOSP Development Going Private 03:07 – Custom ROM Community Struggles 04:31 – Growing Issues with Custom ROMs & Rooting 05:12 – Bootloader Unlock Restrictions 05:35 – End of Nova Launcher & Decline of Customization 06:38 – Android Losing Its Original Identity