F-Droid 2.0 Rolls Out Before Google Verification Rules

F-Droid began a gradual rollout of version 2.0 on September 24, introducing its largest client redesign in a decade as Google prepares to begin developer-verification requirements on certified Android devices in four countries on September 30. The update changes how users find and install apps, but it does not resolve questions about how Google’s rules will affect software distributed through the open-source repository. F-Droid said the release followed more than a year of work and 14 test versions. The rebuilt client uses Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, with three main sections: Discover, Search and My Apps. Search can examine app descriptions and translations as well as names, and users can apply filters such as category and device compatibility. The redesign also adds onboarding screens and changes to app categories. The new client uses Android’s preapproval installation API, allowing users to approve an installation before an app is downloaded. F-Droid 2.0 also supports downloading multiple apps at once and checking for updates. The project says the staged rollout will give it an opportunity to gather feedback and refine performance, accessibility, discovery and usability.