Open-Source App Conversations Drops Its Price Tag to Ditch Google Play

Conversations, the open-source Android messaging client, is making its app free as its developer cuts ties with Google Play.

Developer Daniel Gultsch launched Conversations in 2014, charging for Play Store downloads to fund development while keeping the underlying code open. Twelve and a half years later, he is dropping the price tag. Gultsch points to Google's multi-week review delays, automated app rejections, and non-existent human support. With European grant funding secured through 2029, he no longer needs the income or the hassle.

Why it matters: Independent developers are running out of patience with app store gatekeepers. As AI-generated spam apps swamp review systems, critical security updates for real apps get delayed for weeks without any human support to fix misunderstandings.

Know this: F-Droid is now the primary distribution route for Conversations, complete with reproducible builds signed by the developer.

When paying over €1,000 a year in fees cannot buy you five minutes with a human being, leaving is the best feature update available.