I'm From EU, Want Pixel 9a + GrapheneOS, But Digital ID App Worries Me

srupakij731

I am from Poland, and I’m genuinely concerned about the future of the European Digital Identity Wallet. If it ends up relying on Google Play Services, I won’t be able to use it on my phone, which does not support them. This could potentially lock me out of essential services — especially if the app becomes mandatory for accessing government or other widely used platforms.

I don’t want to invest in a device that may become unusable for these purposes. Phones are expensive in Poland, and as a 16-year-old who earns his income through programming, buying a new one represents a full month of work for me. I also don’t know whether there will be any alternative apps or official support for phones without Play Services, and the uncertainty around this issue is very discouraging.

Probably9857

srupakij731 If it ends up relying on Google Play Services, I won’t be able to use it on my phone, which does not support them

GrapheneOS does support Play Services, you just have to install it from the GoS App Store.

However, there are other ways to prevent apps from running on a non-approved OS (primarily the Play Integrity API), so I think your overall concern is valid.

On the other hand, what is the worst case scenario? You just have to reflash the stock Pixel OS. No need to buy another device.

Delaney

srupakij731 I don’t want to invest in a device that may become unusable for these purposes. Phones are expensive in Poland

Consider buying the phone, use it now and then sell it later down the road if you decide you have to switch. The phone will still keep most of its value after just a year and you can put that money towards the next phone you get.

srupakij731

Probably9857 Thanks! I think I will just do that if the PLay Integrity api will be in final version of the app.

TrustExecutor

srupakij731

Play Integrity API will not be supported as GrapeneOS is not licensed under Google Mobile Services. But I would like to see the sources where it is stated that Play Integrity API along with Google Play Services are/will be required to use those apps. Requirement of Google Play Services does not mean requirement of Play Integrity API. There are also different levels of Play Integrity API where GrapheneOS pass all but the strongest checks (the one that require a GMS licensed OEM OS). Please clarify your thought process.

Probably9857

TrustExecutor I would like to see the sources where it is stated that Play Integrity API along with Google Play Services are/will be required to use those apps.

The OP made no such claim, but merely expressed concern about the possibility, which seems perfectly reasonable to me.

TrustExecutor

Probably9857
Fair enough. I read the Github issue tracker for the app in question and found the info about Play Integrity API. For sure it is quite a bad situation if they decide to implement strong device verification using this lousy proprietary and anti-competitive method instead of using hardware attestation that is well documented by GrapheneOS.