Thats the only reason for at least me to use f droid and I have for the last decade I think.

It "just works".

As opposed to play store apps requiring "play store services" meaning having to sign into play store. It refuses to do so on a FOSS principle so I am literally cut off from a lot of apps.

Aurora store helps but apps that "require play store services" don't work.

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notpushkin 3 hours ago | parent [-]

> "play store services" meaning having to sign into play store

Not necessarily. Most apps that require Play Services should work fine even if you’re not logged into Google. You do, however, have to have the “gapps” installed. (Some apps would also actually check whether you’ve installed them from the Google Play store and not, say, Aurora, but from my experience most don’t bother.)

Also, perhaps look into microG? It reimplements the Play Services APIs, but is FOSS and only connects to Google servers when it’s necessary for some functionality (e.g. if you enable push notifications): https://microg.org/

	▲	2Gkashmiri an hour ago \| parent [-]
		I have microg installed but it doesn't do anything? It also needs to be logged in? Gapps is what exactly. I have stock android on oneplus, just don't have play store signed in. Many apps refuse to work.