# F-Droid Overhauls App Signatures: Seamless Upstream Updates and 46 New Apps Added

> F-Droid introduces a new method for developer signed packages, eliminating the need to reinstall apps. Plus, discover 46 newly added open-source Android apps.

- Canonical URL: https://coreiten.com/en/article/f-droid-overhauls-app-signatures-seamless-upstream-updates-and-46-new-apps-added
- Language: en
- Section: Best Apps
- Author: Sami
- Published: 2026-09-23T22:04:26+03:00
- Modified: 2026-09-23T22:04:26+03:00
- Publisher: CoreITen (https://coreiten.com)
- Keywords: F-Droid developer signed packages, F-Droid update, open source Android apps, reproducible builds, F-Droid repository, Conversations, Shattered Pixel Dungeon

## Summary

F-Droid overhauled app signatures to enable seamless upstream updates without data loss, while simultaneously adding 46 new open-source applications to its repository.

- Contributor @linsui developed a new method that pairs upstream signed packages with F-Droid builds using a lower version code to avoid conflicts and restore metadata auto-updates.
- Four major applications utilizing the new setup include Catima, Conversations (since update 2.20.3+free), Shattered Pixel Dungeon (since update 4.0.0), and Taler Wallet (updated to 1.6.8).
- Librera Reader version 9.6.17-fdroid received a critical build fix to resolve crashing issues and an updated UI design.
- Two applications, duckAssist and NoProvider2Push, were removed and archived from the active repository.
- The repository expanded significantly by adding 46 new applications across various categories, including tools like 508.dev Soundboard and Orion Master.

**Why it matters:** This update drastically improves the Android user experience on privacy-focused repositories by solving long-standing friction between reproducible builds and app updates.

---

Android users relying on the F-Droid repository for privacy-respecting apps no longer have to wipe their app data just to switch to upstream developer signatures. A fundamental change in how the platform handles reproducible builds now allows for seamless transitions without backups, uninstalls, or data loss. Historically, F-Droid offered two rigid paths for reproducible builds, both of which carried significant user experience drawbacks.

The first method involved hosting only the upstream package after verifying its reproducibility. While this worked well for fresh inclusions, users wanting to switch from an existing F-Droid version to the upstream signed one were forced to completely uninstall the app and restore their data. The second method combined an upstream signature with a locally built package, which avoided uninstalls but required manual signature extraction and merge requests for every single update, effectively breaking metadata auto-updates.

### The Third Path to Reproducible Builds

Thanks to contributor [@linsui](https://gitlab.com/linsui), F-Droid has unlocked a third path that combines the best of both previous methods. The repository now adds the upstream signed package alongside its own, but uses it directly. This eliminates the need to extract signatures manually and fully restores metadata auto-updates.

The upstream package remains intact to verify reproducibility, while F-Droid modifies its own package with a lower version code so the two do not conflict. Currently, four major applications utilize this new setup to deliver seamless updates.

- Catima
- Conversations (since update 2.20.3+free)
- Shattered Pixel Dungeon (since update 4.0.0)
- Taler Wallet (updated to 1.6.8)

Additionally, Librera Reader received a critical fix in its build recipe for version 9.6.17-fdroid to resolve previous crashing issues, alongside an updated UI design.

### How to Install the Prioritized Upstream Packages

Because this new method temporarily disrupts F-Droid's metadata structure, the client does not automatically prioritize the upstream packages yet. The development team is currently tracking an [issue](https://gitlab.com/fdroid/fdroidserver/-/work_items/1360) to fix how preferred first installs are offered. Until the patch is live, users installing these apps for the first time must manually select the correct version.

1. Open the F-Droid client and navigate to the target application page.
2. Scroll down and expand the Versions menu.
3. Ignore the "suggested" label if it points to a lower version code.
4. Manually select and install the topmost version that is compatible with your specific device.

### Archived Applications

Two applications were removed from the active repository this week. The duckAssist app, a lightweight, privacy-focused WebView wrapper for Duck.ai, was archived but is slated to return under a new appID. Additionally, NoProvider2Push, a UP-distributor without a provider, was also archived.

### Newly Added Open Source Apps

The repository expanded significantly this week with 46 new applications across various categories, ranging from offline productivity tools to privacy-focused utilities.

- **508.dev Soundboard**: Mix looping ambient sounds, each at its own volume. Offline, free, no ads.
- **Abstract Dots and Lines**: Abstract Dots and Lines is a libre implementation of a pen-and-paper game.
- **Autometer**: Track fuel economy and vehicle maintenance schedules.
- **BoatSpeedy**: GPS speedometer and waterway navigation for boats, with battery analytics.
- **Cambium**: NIP-55 signer that holds no keys: signing is proxied to a NIP-46 hardware bunker.
- **CipherNotes**: Notes. Encrypted. Local. Nothing more.
- **CloudSound - SoundCloud facilitator for Podcini.A**: A service app providing SoundCloud contents to Podcini.A.
- **Custom Routes**: Mark custom climbing routes on gym photos and export shareable images.
- **DBase Downloader**: Download video and music from 1,750+ sites with yt-dlp and FFmpeg.
- **DeltaSync**: Encrypted KeePass sync - requires your own self-hosted server.
- **Duper**: Remotely ring or locate your phone via SMS, no internet needed.
- **DuressUltimate**: Duress Password trigger via length with ultimate protection.
- **Fairy Mahjong**: Clear a layered garden board with a four-slot matching hand.
- **GPA Whiz**: Offline academic tracker: GPA, CGPA, timetable, and scholarship deadlines.
- **How2Vote**: See how parties’ real parliamentary voting records compare with your views.
- **Husk**: Turn a spare device into a remote camera and control rig.
- **Janken (Rock Paper Scissors)**: Modern offline Rock Paper Scissors with private Pass & Play, Bot AI and RPSLS.
- **Kasette**: Offline music player. Import local files, no accounts, no servers.
- **KFZ-A**: Offline lookup of Austrian vehicle registration identifiers.
- **KFZ-D**: Offline lookup of German vehicle registration identifiers.
- **Lens HRV**: Measure heart-rate variability with your phone camera, no extra sensors.
- **LocReminder**: An alarm that rings when you arrive, not at a set time.
- **Lplanner**: Mixed-gas decompression planner: ZHL-16C, VVAL-79 and VPM-B. Works offline.
- **Ludo**: Multiplayer Board Game.
- **Magpie**: Tamper-evident incident journal with encrypted, self-proving exports.
- **Message487**: Forward notifications and SMS to n8n or your own webhook.
- **Nonius**: Eight measuring instruments. No ads, no trackers, no network.
- **Notes Tech**: Encrypted Markdown notes, 100% local. No Internet permission.
- **OnStop2FinishAndRemoveTask**: If change other app, Auto close task in prev app. Required Shizuku APP.
- **Open TeleScope VR**: A VR-based digital telescope camera application for people with low vision.
- **Orion Master**: Native 1oom port of Master of Orion (1993). Requires your own LBX files.
- **PanOSP**: Lightweight, configurable AOSP-style quick settings panel.
- **PeerPop - PeerTube facilitator for Podcini.A**: A service app providing PeerTube contents to Podcini.A.
- **Pocket Prose**: A writing app for a folder of Markdown notes, filed by tag.
- **Pulse**: Plan your own weekly workouts and keep every exercise offline.
- **ReadBear**: A cute & chill CBZ, PDF, EPUB reader that’s ridiculously configurable!
- **ReminDiary**: Offline daily journal that surfaces what you wrote this day in past years.
- **Rowtine**: Knitting and crochet companion: patterns, stash, counters. Offline.
- **Sherpr**: Drive your Herdr AI-agent fleet from your phone, over SSH - no cloud.
- **Shikaku**: A minimalist block logic puzzle game.
- **Simple File Manager**: No bloat simple file manager.
- **Tents**: A logic puzzle game where goal is to place tents in the grid.
- **UnlicenseLauncher**: Simple and secure FOSS launcher with fully FREE license.
- **Wind Bubble**: See where the wind hits you, on top of your navigation app.
- **WM Keyboard**: A private, offline keyboard: 350+ languages, smart typing, themes, and tools.
- **Zaelio**: Offline tracker for custom sessions and measurements.

### Other Notable Updates

F-Droid rolled out updates for 418 additional applications this week. The complete list of updated packages includes: 3X-UI Manager (0.14.3), Accelerrace (0.12), Activity Trace (0.10.0), ActivityWatch (0.14.1), Adaptive Theme (2.5.1), AirGuard - AirTag protection (3.1.2), AirLyrics (1.2.5), AliasVault (0.30.7), Amber (6.6.4), Andor's Trail (0.8.18), Android IP Camera (0.13.0), AniHyou - AniList client (1.6.1), Anti-Vocale (1.12.1), Arcanum (1.6), Aria for Misskey (1.5.13), Arrow Escape: Infinite Puzzle (1.0.9), Atmo Engine (7.2.3), Atrium (1.6.1), Auto Auto-Rotate (1.2.3), AutoPie (0.18.3-beta), Autu Mandu (6.1.0), Aves Libre (1.15.3), Bag: Bitcoin Portfolio Monitor (1.3.4), Balance (1.12.1), Baly Groceries Tracker (1.1.5), Bangle.js Gadgetbridge (0.94.0-banglejs), baresip (91.0.0), baresip+ (80.0.0), BasicSync (3.17), Bati: Fitness RPG (2.4.0), BayesianBahn (0.4.0), Be nice (2.3.0), BeatBridge: Bluetooth Music (1.0.61), Binary Eye (1.75.4), BinClockWidget (1.1.1), BlockDrop: Block Puzzle (1.0.57), BlowTorch 2 (2.4.5), Bluetooth QR & Barcode to PC (2.3.2), Braincup - Brain Training (3.6.0), Breakout 71 (29788150), Broccoli: The Green Recipe App (1.4.7), Bubble Notice (1.0.7), Bubble Shooter (1.0.1), BVD (2.3.7.foss), C2K - Couch to 5K & 10K (1.2.18), Caffeine Health (2.3.2), Calendula (2.20.3), Call Limiter (0.3.10), CalSync - Local Calendar Sync (1.9.9), CAPod - Companion for AirPods (5.2.6-rc0), CaptureCap (3.9.7.4), Cartes IGN (3.5.16), Casio G-Shock Smart Sync (42.9.4), CBG -- Clavierhaus BackGammon (1.0.2), Chogan (0.2.4), Chompass - Calorie Tracker (5.1.0), Circadian Display (1.0.1), Citrine (3.1.1), Clash Meta For Android (2.11.33.Meta), Clauncher (v5.3.0), CleanShare (3.3.0), Clear SMS (0.19.1), Clock (2.32), Clock You (12.0), CO3 (V0.1.0-RC1), Colota - GPS Location Tracker (1.17.0), Commons (6.8.0), Crate (1.19.1), croc (11.5.2), Cube Run (2.3), Cuppa - Tea Timer (2.15.1), Cyclauncher (v1.0.0-beta.2), Daily You (3.4.0), De1984 (2.7.7), Dhwani - Volume Control (1.2.2), DigiAgriApp (0.5.6), Dima Defense (1.1.0), DNS Toggle (3.0.0), DobbyVPN (1.5.0), Dosezy (2.4.0), Dragon Launcher (4.2.0), Drift // Audio (0.4.3), DroidFS (2.3.2), Drowser (1.0.15), DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser (5.294.1), Duetto (0.9.15), DuressKeyboard (7.4), DuressKeyboardLite (17.0), DuWave (2.1.0), Easy Watermark (3.0.2), EinkBro (16.7.0), Emborg (0.9.5), Enclavd (2.1.5), Ente Locker (1.0.9), EphemeralWorkProfile (62.0), Epoch (1.5.0), Equalizer314 (0.0.19-beta_hotfix1), eQuran (3.5.0), evcc - solar charging (1.6.0), FairEmail (1.2336), FairSpeed - Speed Tester (1.0.3), Fauxx - Privacy Through Deception (0.7.1), Fechtkarte (1.0.16), Fedilab (3.43.4), Feeder (2.23.1), Feeder (Play version) (2.23.1), Felicity Music Player (Trial) (0.0.30_alpha), Feltbok (1.3), Feudal Tactics (1.5.4), Field Survey (beta-1), FirTube (4.0), FitBuddy (3.2.77), FixupXer - URL Enhancer (2.8.0), Flac-R (0.5.6), Flexify: Gym Workout Log (2.2.6), Fluffy (4.4.7), FluffyChat (2.9.5), Flux - Movies, Shows & Anime local player (1.8.0), Foggy Maps (1.7.3), Forkgram (12.10.3.0), Forkgram Classic (12.10.6.0), Forkyz (86), FOSS Browser (24), Freebloks (1.8.4), FTP Server (Free) (3.4.0), Gadgetbridge (0.94.0), Gem Wallet: Bitcoin, USDT, BNB (2.114.33), geminiAssist (1.3), GeoWeather (3.1.3), Gitalchemy (1.4.0), GitHub Trending & Hacker News (1.8.0), GitSync (1.8.65), Godot Editor 3 (3.6.3.stable), Goregram (12.10.2), GPTMobile (0.9.0), Gravel (0.3.0), GymMane (1.2.0), Harbor (0.2.0-alpha07), Harp (1.6.15), Haven SSH Client (5.89.0), Hermes Agent Fork (0.13.157), Hestia (2.10.1), HiddenProtectedWorkProfile (93.0), Hidroly: Water Reminder (2.3.0), Hue Sort (1.0.2), Hue Spill (1.0.1), Idle Fantasy (1.14.13), Infra Arcana (23.0.0.9), InstaDownload (2.6.1), invoice, quote, delivery note (1.9.1), Iris Gallery (0.6.0), Jass board (4.3.0), Jellyfin (2.7.3), JMP SIM Manager (jmp-v1.7.2), Jotdown (3.1.18-FOSS), Just (Video) Player (0.217), Just Delete Me (2.1), K-9 Mail (23.0), Karui ToDo (1.9), KashCal (2026.09.12), KDE Connect (1.35.16), KeePassDX Passkey Vault (4.5.4), Key Mapper (4.4.0-foss), KeyStoreViewer (1.2.1), kitshn (for Tandoor) (2.1.4), Klick'r - Smart AutoClicker (4.0.5), Knit (2.6.0), Komelia (0.19.3), Kompact Image Compressor (1.1.7), Kvaesitso (1.41.0-fdroid), Launcher314 (0.0.25-beta), LeanType (4.2.3), LetterBox (1.5.0), Levyra (2.5.8), Libre Contacts Backup (2.5.0), LibreFind - Find FOSS Alternatives (1.2.0-beta.2), LibreNotes (1.3.0), LimeLog (1.13.0), Linkora (0.21.0), Linwood Butterfly Nightly (2.6.0-rc.2), Liseur (0.17.0), Lissen: Audiobookshelf client (1.12.3-release), LMd - Le Monde diplomatique DE (2.4.0), Look4Sat: Satellite tracker (4.4.7), Lrc-R (0.3.2), Lumolight: Screen & Flashlight (5.1.0.35), Luteal (1.6.0), Lyrion Dashboard (0.3.0), L×Box (2.24.0), Léon - The URL Cleaner (67), Mage (0.1.6), Mages (4.11.6), Magnifica (1.2.5), Mahjong Scoring Compass (1.5.0), Mahjong Solitaire (1.0.2), MainTask (3.24.0), Mako (2026.54), Malarm (0.6.3), MarketMonk: Stock Tracker (1.0.93), Markleaf (2.44.0), MarkReader - Markdown Reader (1.0.4), Match 3 (1.0.6), MateDroid (1.11.2), Materialious (1.18.7), Medic Log (2.0.0), Medical Calendar Log (2.0.8), MediLog (Non-reproducible build) (3.8.0), MediLog (Reproducible build) (3.8.0), MedTimer: Med & Pill Reminder (1.25.3), Meron (0.3.2), Messages (1.0.24), MetaGer: Search & Browser (6.22.0), Metiq: noise & ambient sounds (0.21.0), MetroMusic (1.4.1), Mihrab: Prayer Times & Quran (2.22.0), Mindustry (8-fdroid-160.4), Mindwtr - GTD Task Manager (1.3.0), Mines3D (1.7.1), Minesweeper (1.5), Miniter (0.9.5), MinkLauncher OpenSource (1.5.2), Miroji (1.3.6), MoeMemos (2.0.5), Monica F-Droid (1.0.311), Mooneva Cycle - Period Tracker (2.5.0), motd (0.17.9), Mullvad VPN: privacy is a universal right (2026.9), MuPDF mini (1.28.4a), MuPDF viewer (1.28.4a), Murine Launcher (1.2.3), My Quran (1.8.1), N-Zik (7.5.1-f), NATINFo+ (1.13.1), Navic (v1.0.0-alpha55), NC Collectives (2.12.1), NekoVideo (1.4.1), NetToggle (1.2.0), Network Scanner - WiFi & IP (1.1.9), neutriNote CE (4.6.8), News Provider (2.0.0), NewsBlur - News reader (15.0.0), Nextcloud (35.0.0), Nextcloud Dev (20260917), Nextcloud Notes (35.0.0), Nextcloud Pantry (0.32.0), Nextcloud Passwords (1.2.1), Nextcloud Talk (25.0.0), Nexus Command Center (1.13.0), NFC Alarm Clock (12.7.1), NFC Radio (1.0.0-fdroid), Night Light (1.19.0), Nightbell (3.11.0), NightDream (2.11.34), Nope Remote (2.4), NotiFilter (4.15.0), NouTube (0.6.13), NovaDial (1.5.2), Obtainium (1.6.17), Offi (14.0.9), Offline Currency Converter (0.6.0), Offline Translator (0.8.5), Offline Web Search (1.0.31), Oinkoin (1.14.0), Olauncher (v6.9.1), OmegaPlayer (1.2.1), OMN-Go (26.09.62-fdroid), OneTwo (2.2.0), openCook (0.3), OpenKuma (0.2.0), OpenTopoMap Viewer (1.38), OpenVitals (2.8.0), OPNsense Manager (1.8.1), Ordunte: Karrantza weather (1.5.0), Orion Viewer - Pdf & Djvu (0.97.1), oxproxion (2.2.3), Pagan (1.8.30), PAIesque (106), Paperize - A Wallpaper Changer (4.1.1), Password Store (2.0.2), PCAPdroid (2.0.1), Peristyle (v9.8.0), Permission Pilot (2.2.4-rc0), Personal Stuff (2.0.0), PGPony (4.5.0), Photok (3.4.1), Phylax (2.13), Piggsy (1.12.1), PingOff (1.0.1), PipePipe (5.3.1), Pitak (1.3.0), PlainApp: Phone Web Portal (3.3.25), Podcini.A - Extensible media instrument (12.11.0), Polished Recognition (1.2.3), Polymarket Viewer (1.43), Prism (1.3.4), Privacy Flip (2.1.8), Privamatic (1.4.1), Productivity System - timeto.me (2026.09.11), ProtectedWorkProfile (91.0), Puzzle Games (2.0.3), QRAlarm (2.11.0), Queens (1.0.8), Quiet Grid (1.2.13), Quire (2026.09.15.237), Quitter: Habit Tracker (1.1.50), Readwide (1.0.18), Recording Studio Lite (0.2.1), Relatrix (2.0.4), Remember: Notes & Reminders (1.7.0), ReteClock (0.45.0), ReteKey (0.1.185), RiPlay (0.7.92), Robot36 - SSTV Image Decoder (2.17), Rocinante (1.2.9), Roue Libre (1.4.0), RSS Reader (1.87.36), Rush - Lyrics App (7.0.6), Saracroche (5.4.0), ScenePeek - TMDB & Seerr (0.39.2 F-Droid), Screw Jam (1.0.2), SearchLauncher (0.0.42), Secret Space Encryptor (SSE) (3.3), Sensors2OSC (0.17.3), Share To InputStick (3.8.1), ShelfDroid (0.6.0), ShiftSwift (3.1.1), ShikiApp (alpha-0.8.1), Shiori (1.52.02), ShizuWall (4.6.4), Simple Keyboard (6.7), Simple Notes Sync (2.17.0), SimpleHIIT (1.05), sing-box (1.14.1), SiYuan (3.8.4), Sky Map (2.0.5:Apollo), Slate (1.1), SleepGuard - dead man’s switch (1.7.0), SlimSocial for Facebook (26.09.15), Slooop (3.2.44), SmartTube F-Droid (32.47), Smither (3.6.5), Snowdrop (0.0.8-alpha), Snowflake Volunteer (1.14), Solid Share (0.4.4), SpamBlocker (Call & SMS) (5.16), SSHBorg (1.17.0), Standard Notes (3.202.7), Stay Put - Unplug Alert (0.8.11), Sterna Mail (1.5.6), Stims (1.5), Storii - audiobookshelf client (0.9.2), Stroke Input Method (1.6.2), StudyDesk (1.14.0), Sudoku You (2.1.0), Sumire Japanese Keyboard Lite F-Droid (1.7.115-lite-fdroid), Suntimes Calendars (0.7.0), Super Productivity (19.0.1), SuperSMP Companion (1.6.1), TacticMaster (1.0.43), Taiga Mobile Nova (2.2.2), Tailscale (1.102.4), Tallybook (1.9.0), TaskerHA (2.0.5), Tasks.org: Open-source To-Do Lists & Reminders (15.12), taz (2.1.2), Tehran Metro (1.5.0), Tempus (4.26.8), Terminator (2.3.3), Text Tools (2.2.5), textlog (0.8.0), The Universe Decides (2.7.0), Thunderbird Beta for Testers (24.0b2), Thunderbird: Free Your Inbox (23.0), TigerDuck (2.1.0-fdroid), TimeLimit.io (7.7.0), Timety (2.2.1), Tine (0.6.984), Tjoeke (1.0.7), TorrServe (MatriX.143.FOSS), Tower Collector (2.19.1), Trailence (2.3.1), trale (1.4.1), Transport Widgets (2.3.1), TriPeaks NEUE (0.9.62), Tuisku (1.3.2), Umihi Music (1.14.1-store), Unciv (4.22.0), UniPatcher (0.18), Universal Installer (1.18.0), Unstoppable Crypto Wallet (0.51.1), Urn (1.6.2), UT.urn - YouTube facilitator for Podcini.A (1.1.4), UWR Planer (1.6.4), Vault Explorer (1.19.0), Vibe - Music Player (0.7.0), Victoria Launcher (0.58.0), Voxscribe - Offline Voice Input (1.0.3), Voyager (1.9.0), Voyager for Lemmy (2.49.1), WAFRN (1.17.0), WakeUpScreen (4.3.0), Wallet (1.0.42), Water Sort (1.0.17), WaveUp (3.2.38), WebLibre: The Privacy-Focused Browser (0.30.0), Webview Kiosk (0.26.19), Wiki Fronted (r/50606-r-2026-09-09), Wikipedia (r/50606-r-2026-09-09), Wristotle Companion (1.22.0), wX (55997), XCSoar (7.45.2), Xime IME (2.8.2), xnotes (0.8.17), Yubico Authenticator (7.4.2), Zaragoza Tarjeta Bus (1.3), Zelp (0.0.7), Zenwell: Stop doomscrolling (1.6), and Zodl: Zcash Wallet (3.13.0).

### The Metadata Shift That Matters

This signature overhaul solves a years-long UX nightmare for the open-source Android community. By manipulating the version code of its own builds, F-Droid elegantly tricks the Android package manager into preferring the developer's official signature without breaking the reproducible build verification chain. It bridges the gap between hardcore FOSS purists who demand independent verification and developers who want to maintain cryptographic control over their releases.

More importantly, this reduces the maintenance burden on F-Droid maintainers. Previously, extracting signatures and opening merge requests for every single update of apps like Conversations created unnecessary bottlenecks. Automating this process ensures that critical security patches and feature updates reach users faster, solidifying F-Droid's position as a viable, secure alternative to mainstream app stores.

## Sources

- [f-droid.org](https://f-droid.org/en/2026/09/18/twif.html)