Without GApps, a custom Android 12 ROM works fine using F-Droid or Aurora Store, but you lose:
If you rely on Google’s ecosystem, GApps are essential. gapps android 12
This guide assumes you have already flashed an AOSP-based Android 12 custom ROM (like LineageOS 19, crDroid 8.x, etc.) and have an unlocked bootloader with a custom recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox, or Lineage Recovery). Without GApps, a custom Android 12 ROM works
As you search for "gapps android 12", you may notice that Android 13 (Tiramisu) and Android 14 (Upside Down Cake) are already out. However, Android 12 remains highly relevant for: If you rely on Google’s ecosystem, GApps are essential
Tip: If you are building your own AOSP 12 ROM, use the repo manifest tag android-12.1.0_rxx and the corresponding Gapps package dated after June 2023 for the latest security patches.