Feature Request(s) (System Webviews)

[daedaevibin]

Feature Request: Alternative WebView Integration (Aosmium & Cromite)

Summary:
Request for built-in support of alternative privacy-focused WebView implementations (Aosmium and Cromite) with user selection during initial setup and ability to switch later.

Technical Context:
Currently, alternative WebViews cannot be used on AxionAOSP because they are not included in the config_webview_packages.xml whitelist in framework-res.apk.

I attempted manual integration of Aosmium WebView:

• Installed APK to /product/app/ - package installed successfully via pm install-existing
• Attempted to switch via cmd webviewupdate set-webview-implementation org.axpos.aosmium_wv - failed silently
• Modified framework-res.apk to add org.axpos.aosmium_wv to whitelist using apktool
• Result: Bootloop (device stuck at loading screen), required restore from backup
• Conclusion: Proper source-level integration with correct signing is required for safe operation

Requested Implementation:

1. Build-time Integration: Add Aosmium and/or Cromite package names to config_webview_packages.xml whitelist:

   • org.axpos.aosmium_wv (Aosmium - Verified Package Name)
   • org.cromite.webview (Cromite - please verify exact package name)

2. Initial Setup Selector: During first boot/device setup, present option to choose WebView:

   • AOSP WebView (default)
   • Aosmium WebView
   • Cromite WebView

3. Settings Toggle: For existing users, add switch in:

   • Developer Options → WebView implementation, OR
   • Settings → Apps → Default apps → WebView app

APK Sources:

Aosmium (AXP.OS):

• Repository: https://codeberg.org/AXP-OS/app_aosmium
• Releases: https://codeberg.org/AXP-OS/app_aosmium/releases
• Active maintenance: Yes (successor to DivestOS)
• Package name: org.axpos.aosmium_wv

Cromite:

• Repository: https://github.com/uazo/cromite
• Releases: https://github.com/uazo/cromite/releases
• Active maintenance: Yes
• Package name: org.cromite.webview (needs verification)

Benefits:

• Privacy: Enhanced tracker blocking and privacy protections vs AOSP WebView
• Security: More frequent security updates
• User Choice: Aligns with open-source principles
• Compatibility: Drop-in replacements maintaining full WebView API compatibility

Testing Information:

• Device: Google Pixel 6a
• Codename: Bluejay
• ROM Version: 2.4 (axion-2.4-TELOS-20260126-OFFICIAL-GMS-bluejay)
• Build Type: userdebug
• Current WebView: com.android.webview (version 144.0.7559.76)

Precedent:
If AxianAOSP already includes com.google.android.webview or other non-AOSP WebViews in whitelist, this follows existing pattern. If not, this would establish framework for alternative WebView support.

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Thank you for considering this request. Happy to provide additional testing, logs, or information as needed. I believe this would be a valuable addition for privacy-conscious users while maintaining full app compatibility.