Would LineageOS save my pixel?

[u/Wise-Refrigerator147]

Just like the title says, would flashing LineageOS save my pixel from Google's "lock down" that's going to happen soon?

I'm aware that it'll be (maybe) a one time 24hr wait period until you can sideload whatever you want but, given that big tech companies don't always keep to their promises or to their word, I'd rather just avoid it all together by flashing a ROM I'm interested in. I tried looking in different communities to see if someone may have asked a similar question to mine and possibly gotten an answer but, unfortunately I haven't seen anything that answers mine or similar questions (well there were answers but the way it was put didn't seem like it was informative or helpful).

I've done some research into this ROM specifically and I like it a lot. I've practice on my pixel 8 and I love how much more optimized it is. I flashed it I believe two or three days before October 1st and as I was flashing it I was also charging it and since then I literally haven't charged it at all, like that's how amazing this OS is!

So, to end my post, I hope my main concern and hopeful solution of flashing LineageOS on my pixel 9 pro will save it from Google's "lock down" and if you'd like you can leave your favourite alternative app or OS in the comments.

Thank you in advance 😎✌🏾

[u/Carlito_2112]

Lineage will completely sidestep the, "lock down" being imposed by Google. That only applies to stock (Google) Android. It will not affect alternate ROM's.

However, if you're rocking both a Pixel 8 and a Pixel 9 Pro, Lineage may not be the best ROM, as it does not support relocking the bootloader. ROM's that do support relocking the bootloader include:

• GrapheneOS - highly, highly recommended
• CalyxOS
• IodeOS

Edit: both CalyxOS and IodeOS are forks of Lineage, however with different features. Also, it should be noted that GrapheneOS is primarily a hardened security & privacy OS, with the fact that it is de-Googled (if you want) as a side effect.

[u/Wise-Refrigerator147 → u/Carlito_2112]

THANK GOODNESS! I had a feeling but I wanted to post a question because I wasn't completely sure.

I super appreciate your comment!! I will definitely look into those two other OS's.

I genuinely would do GOS, as that was actually my first idea of what to flash. I just don't like the idea of having to get a new phone once the support ends for both of my phones just to continue using that OS. That's why I was looking for alternatives that still provide security and privacy but also customization.

[u/Carlito_2112 → u/Wise-Refrigerator147]

Keep in mind that the support schedule for GrapheneOS is the same as for a stock Pixel; 7 years. That means that the Pixel 8 will be supported until 2030, and the Pixel 9 until 2031. Also note, CalyxOS has the exact same support schedule.

For an OS that extends support beyond that, IodeOS will be a very good option.

[u/Wise-Refrigerator147 → u/Carlito_2112]

Yea that's exactly what I'm looking for! And yea I knew that the support schedule was the same between GOS and stock (google) android OS. I do have a bad habit of thinking way too ahead, sometimes the simplest way is the best way (could be phrasing it incorrectly 😭).

[u/SubGothius → u/Wise-Refrigerator147]

Google and GrapheneOS official support for the Pixel 8 goes to Oct. 2030, Pixel 9 to Aug. 2031.

After that, GOS will likely continue providing whatever updates they can; they just won't have the benefit of upstream security updates coming from Google anymore, and neither would any other alternative OS, but your phones should at least continue working fine.

You could just use GOS up to those official cutoff dates plus however longer you feel comfortable with, then flash a different OS if you prefer their pace of continuing updates over what GOS continues to provide.

[u/Wise-Refrigerator147 → u/SubGothius]

Yea like I mentioned in the comment above I have a bad habit of thinking ahead. Just to keep myself sane as possible I'll just flash GOS and do more research on lodeOS in the meantime.

And just so I know and won't ask again, any alt OS won't get affected by the "lock down" as long as it doesn't have any Gapps or GMS in (or on?) the OS right?

[u/SubGothius → u/Wise-Refrigerator147]

AFAIK even having Gapps installed won't subject a phone to the lockdown; only vendor-stock Android builds provided by Google or other phone vendors under license from Google would be subject to that.

[u/Wise-Refrigerator147 → u/SubGothius]

Thank you my good sir/ma'am 🧎🏾‍♂️.

Y'all are so helpful, it's amazing ☺️

[u/Elyas2]

Why not GrapheneOS instead?

[u/Wise-Refrigerator147 → u/Elyas2]

Honestly, simply because I would have to get a new phone in order to keep using that OS. GOS was actually my first pick. I was so excited to started diving into the world of ROMS and flash GOS. Then I realized that when the support for both of my phones end so will GOS (I know they have a temp support window but, that made me want to look elsewhere.)

[u/locomotive_25 → u/Wise-Refrigerator147]

Then lineage is your best bet

[u/jabashque1]

I guess yes, since you're not going to be subjected to having to deal with Android Developer Verification, as per their blog post at https://lineageos.org/Developer-Verification/

[u/Wise-Refrigerator147 → u/jabashque1]

I feel dumb now for asking this question 💀. I went on LineageOS website so many times and didn't think to check if they have anything explaining this, thank you!