Why Do New Phones Come With Pre-Installed Apps?
When you buy a new phone, it often comes with a collection of pre-installed applications. This practice is not accidental but results from a combination of strategic decisions from manufacturers, carriers, and developers. Let’s delve deeper into the reasons why new smartphones are often packed with these apps and the implications for users.
The Benefits for Manufacturers and Carriers
Manufacturer and Carrier Partnerships: Phone manufacturers and carriers often partner with various developers to include certain apps with their devices. These partnerships can be beneficial for developers who gain access to a large user base and for manufacturers who get additional value and features.
Enhancing User Experience
User Experience: Pre-installed apps can significantly enhance the user experience by offering essential tools and features out of the box. For example, apps like the dialer, contacts, settings, and system UI are crucial for basic functionality. Other popular apps like Google, YouTube, and the Play Store provide immediate utility and convenience for users.
Branding and Promotion
Branding and Promotion: Manufacturers may include their own apps or those of partners to promote their ecosystem. This can include proprietary services such as cloud storage (Google Photos), music streaming services (Google Music), and app stores (Google Play Store). These apps help build brand loyalty and ensure a seamless user experience within the ecosystem.
Core Functionality and System Apps
Core Functionality System and Usual Apps: Essential apps like the dialer, contacts, settings, system UI shell, and Android overlays are often pre-installed to ensure the phone functions properly. These apps include the necessary components for core functionalities such as system updates, security features, and access to the underlying Android OS.
Day-to-Day Apps
Day-to-Day Use: Apps like Google, YouTube, and the Play Store are included to facilitate everyday tasks and provide users with access to the internet, entertainment, and additional software.
Manufacturer-Specific Apps
Manufacturer Apps: Many manufacturers include their own apps, such as Samsung App Store, Huawei App Store, Huawei Themes, and other proprietary tools. These apps help build brand-specific features and services that differentiate one model from another.
Bloated Apps
Bloated a-f Apps: Some pre-installed apps, such as Facebook and games, can be considered unnecessary and may fill up storage space without providing much value. Users often prefer to remove or disable these apps to optimize their phone's performance and storage.
Privacy and Security Concerns
Government Apps and Background Listening: In some cases, government apps may be pre-installed to monitor user activity, potentially causing privacy concerns. Users concerned about their privacy may opt to disable or remove these apps.
User Preferences and Customization
User Preferences and Customization: Many devices allow users to uninstall or disable pre-installed apps if they prefer not to use them. For those who want more control over their device, rooting and flashing custom ROMs are viable options. Custom ROMs often do not include Google Mobile Services (GMS), though they may include minimal sets of custom-written services.
In conclusion, the inclusion of pre-installed apps on new phones is a strategic move that benefits manufacturers, carriers, and developers. However, users have the flexibility to customize their devices according to their preferences. By understanding the reasons behind these apps and taking advantage of the customization options available, users can enhance their overall experience.