>This is why I switched to Android, just for Google now to pull the rug from under my feet again
1) You can continue to install unsigned APKs via adb with the upcoming update.
2) Signing APKs for sideloading requires a Google development account which is a one time fee of $25, no yearly fees.
So still a free sideloading option available, and if you want to avoid adb it is a one time cost that is 1/4 the annual rate on Apple.
I would call it "free developer experience" (using ADB), not "free sideloading".
If you want to send your app to a friend to download and install it directly on their phone (without using a computer with ADB), you need to be Google-approved and register your app first.
OP I was replying to presented his scenario of self developing an app he uses on his own personal device, my response was specifically in regards to that use case, not any hypothetical third party person.
I think you could use adb over tcp from a chroot in the phone itself? But that doesn't really make it easier from their standpoint, and this is just a step towards full lockdown which is coming.
1) Oh yes of course, here friend you just need a PC and the command line tools (unless soon you'll need to be a registered and VERIFIED developer) to install revanced or any open source app
2) Unless they decide to ban you (they can if you don't show any activity in the developer account for X months) and of course because you were verified you can't simply apply again and pay again, because you were banned!!!!
1) OP indicated his scenario was a self developed app he uses on his own personal device, not a hypothetical "friend". In terms of some unknown future scenario, speculative fear doesn't really provide anything in the ways of a constructive dialog.
2) In regards to inactive accounts, from Google's policy page:
>If you have never submitted an app for review and the account is more than one year old, it’s considered inactive.
>If you have apps, the account is considered inactive if it is more than one year old, all published apps have fewer than 1,000 combined lifetime installs, the required contact details are not verified, and you have not used Play Console in the last 180 days.
>Google sends warning emails at 60, 30, and 7 days before actual closure, allowing time to take corrective actions.
While you are correct that this would lose you access to the developer account, inactivity for a year and ignoring multiple warning messages over a 2 month period gives you an opportunity to weigh your options. It doesn't even require app updates, just activity in the Play console.
First they came for F-droid...
This is the obvious problem.