TL;DR
F-Droid used community donations to replace a core server, improving build and publish performance across its main repository. The new machine is hosted under a controlled arrangement with a long-time contributor, and publishing frequency has increased notably since October 2025.
What happened
F-Droid announced it has replaced a critical piece of infrastructure — its core server that builds and publishes apps for the main repository — using funds from donations. The swap was delayed by difficulties sourcing reliable parts amid unpredictable global trade conditions, which required multiple quote cycles and replanning. The previous setup involved 12-year-old hardware that had been in service for roughly five years; its age was creating speed and maintenance pressures. The new server is already delivering measurable gains: F-Droid reports faster build and publish cycles, with update frequency moving from roughly every 3–4 days (January–September 2025) to once every two days in October, daily in November and reaching twice a day in December. The machine is physically held and managed under a special arrangement by a long-time contributor, allowing known physical access, remote control, and a level of transparency F-Droid says aligns with its stewardship model.
Why it matters
- Faster build and publish cycles reduce the time between app updates being released by developers and reaching users.
- Replacing aging hardware lowers maintenance overhead and the operational risk posed by older equipment.
- A controlled hosting arrangement increases transparency about who has physical access and management responsibilities.
- Community donations directly supported infrastructure that affects the reliability of the entire repository.
Key facts
- The upgrade was funded by donations from the F-Droid community.
- Procurement was delayed due to unpredictable supply chains and complications getting required parts.
- The previous server used 12-year-old hardware and had been running for about five years.
- Publishing cadence improved: Jan–Sep 2025 averaged updates every 3–4 days; October moved to every 2 days; November became daily; December reached twice daily.
- F-Droid points to its transparency log (index publishing after Oct 18, 2025) as evidence of increased frequency.
- The new server is physically held by a long-time contributor; F-Droid says it can control it remotely and knows who has access.
- The project says the upgrade expands capacity to run a morning cycle for auto-updated apps and an evening cycle for new, fixed, and manually updated apps.
What to watch next
- Whether the increased publishing cadence (twice daily in December) remains consistent in the coming months — not confirmed in the source
- Any future infrastructure refreshes or capacity expansions enabled by additional donations — not confirmed in the source
- Longer-term operational stability and whether the new hardware introduces any unforeseen issues
Quick glossary
- Repository: A storage location where software packages and metadata are collected, managed, and distributed to users.
- Build: The process of compiling source code and assembling an application into a distributable package.
- Transparency log: A public record that tracks actions such as index publishing or other repository operations for auditability.
- Server: A computer system that provides services like building, storing, or distributing software to other systems or users.
Reader FAQ
Who paid for the new server?
Community donations funded the hardware replacement.
Why was the upgrade delayed?
Delays were caused by difficulties sourcing reliable parts amid unpredictable global supply chains.
Where is the server hosted?
It is physically held by a long-time contributor under an arrangement that allows remote control and known access.
What are the hardware specifications of the new server?
not confirmed in the source
Has publishing frequency improved?
Yes. The project reports a move from updates every 3–4 days earlier in 2025 to daily or twice-daily cycles by December.
A faster heart for F-Droid. Our new server is here! Posted on Dec 30, 2025 by F-Droid Donations are a key part of what keeps F-Droid independent and reliable and…
Sources
- A faster heart for F-Droid. Our new server is here
- F-Droid build servers can't build modern Android apps due …
- News | F-Droid – Free and Open Source Android App …
- Build Server Setup | F-Droid – Free and Open Source …
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