Custom ROMs have had just about enough of being Android's second-class citizens

Tensions are escalating between custom ROM developers, particularly Graphene OS, and Google over the Play Integrity API, which is essential for app verification on Android devices. Custom ROMs, often used for enhanced features or privacy, face significant compatibility issues as many apps refuse to run on these non-standard systems. Graphene OS has criticized Google's approach to device attestation as flawed and incomplete, claiming that the requirements for Play Integrity compliance are often ignored. This has led to frustrations within the community, especially as popular apps like Authy have stopped functioning on Graphene OS due to these restrictions. The Graphene OS team has indicated that if Google does not allow them to pass Play Integrity checks, they may pursue legal action, having already begun discussions with regulators interested in the matter. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for custom ROMs to gain recognition and support within the Android ecosystem, raising questions about the future of software compatibility and user choice in mobile operating systems.

- Tensions are rising between custom ROMs and Google over app compatibility issues.

- Graphene OS is prepared to take legal action if Google does not extend Play Integrity support.

- Many apps, including Authy, refuse to run on custom ROMs due to Play Integrity restrictions.

- The Graphene OS team criticizes Google's device attestation approach as flawed.

- Regulatory interest in the issue may lead to significant changes in the future.