Is "APK Verification" the Death Blow to Android Freedom? Considering the Switch to iOS.

Hey everyone,

I've been a lifelong, die-hard Android user, and apps like ReVanced are a massive part of why I stick around. The freedom customize/mods has always been Android's unique selling point, especially when compared to the (generally) more polished, but heavily restricted, iOS software experience.

​Lately, though, I've seen online (and I'm still hoping I misunderstood this) about Google potentially tightening """security""", with rumours of every single APK needing """verification""".

​If this became a hard reality, aka meaning the death of non-official apps, including my favourites like ReVanced, along with custom/modded APKs, gaming emulators, Streamio, and tools like Soulseek/Seeker... then what's the real deal to stay on Android?

​If we completely remove the monetary factor and assume Android becomes as restrictive as iOS, are there any other compelling arguments left for the platform?

​Would you seriously consider crossing over to the "dark side" (the iOS ecosystem) if Android's core freedom was taken away? I was considering Linux/GrapheneOS too, but unfortunately, it isn't yet fully developed, and it is impossible to use many "basic" apps such as banking or card/NFC payments. Plus, i bet ReVanced wouldn't even work in there due to MicroG (?) !

​Love to hear your thoughts on this!