New devices will start implementing measures to prevent custom ROMs
"Verified Developers" are coming to Google Play.
Yes, this even applies to sideloading applications. Yes, sideloading will still technically be allowed, but only if the app comes from a verified developer.
Sideloading apps from unverified developers will be blocked on certified Android devices/OS, regardless of how you obtain the APK.
It seems the only way to install apps from nostr:nprofile1qqs83nn04fezvsu89p8xg7axjwye2u67errat3dx2um725fs7qnrqlgpzemhxue69uhkummnw3ex2mrfw3jhxtn0wfnj7klqyqq in the future might be to run a custom ROM such as Graphene, etc.
https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html
Discussion
Many OEMs have done this for a decade and a half. Some come with locked bootloaders. The best devices for custom ROMs are Google's devices as they always come with unlocked bootloaders, at least from Google, some carriers have locked the bootloaders and made them unlockable in th past (FU Verizon).
I always buy direct for this reason. I once had an issue with a phone that was apparently carrier unlocked but still locked in the bootloader sense. That was an early Pixel, but I still just buy direct now anyway.