What Are Preloaded Apps?

Pre installed apps are apps that are installed on a device before it is shipped to the customer. These apps are not downloaded from the app store but are instead pre-installed on the device’s system. Preloaded apps can be either system-level apps or third-party apps. 

System-level apps are essential apps that are necessary for the device to function, like the phone, messaging, and email apps. Third-party preloaded apps are apps that are not essential but are included on the device by the manufacturer or carrier. These apps can include social media, games, or shopping apps.

How Do Preloaded Apps Work?

Preloaded apps work by being installed onto the device’s system before it is shipped to the customer. These apps are not removable by the user and can only be disabled or hidden from view. Some preloaded apps can be useful to the user, while others can be considered “bloatware” because they take up valuable storage space and cannot be removed.

Pre Installed Apps Google (Android)

1. Google Search
2. Google Chrome
3. Gmail
4. Google Maps
5. YouTube
6. Google Drive
7. Google Photos
8. Google Play Music
9. Google Play Movies
10. Google Docs
11. Google Calendar
12. Google Sheets
13. Google Slides
14. Google Assistant

Pre Installed Apps on iOS (Iphone)

1. Messages
2. Calendar
3. Photos
4. Camera
5. Mail
6. Phone
7. Safari (web browser)
8. Music
9. App Store
10. News
11. Notes
12. Contacts
13. Reminders
14. Maps
15. Weather
16. Wallet
17. Health
18. Settings
19. Clock
20. TV
21. Podcasts
22. Books
23. Find My
24. Files
25. Tips
26. Calculator
27. Voice Memos
28. Compass
29. iTunes Store
30. Stocks

Why Are Preloaded Apps Included on Devices?

Preloaded apps can be included on devices for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Revenue generation: Manufacturers and carriers can include third-party preloaded apps as a way to generate revenue. These apps can be pre-installed with advertising or have partnerships with the manufacturer or carrier.
2. User experience: Preloaded apps can be included to enhance the user experience by providing essential apps like the phone and messaging apps.
3. Promotion: Third-party preloaded apps can be included as part of a promotion or partnership between the app developer, manufacturer, or carrier.

Advantages of Preloaded Apps

• Convenience: Preloaded apps are convenient for users as they don’t have to spend time searching for and downloading apps.
• Time-saving: Preloaded apps save time and data as they are already installed on the device.
• Exposure: Preloaded apps increase the exposure of apps to potential users, making them more visible.

Disadvantages of Preloaded Apps

• Storage Space: Preloaded apps take up valuable storage space on a device, which can be a problem for devices with limited storage capacity.
• Irrelevance: Preloaded apps may not be relevant or useful to all users, making them feel like bloatware.
• Inability to Uninstall: Preloaded apps cannot be uninstalled without rooting or jailbreaking the device, which can be a daunting task for some users.

Are Preloaded Apps Harmful?

Preloaded apps are not inherently harmful, but they can be considered bloatware if they take up valuable storage space and cannot be removed. Additionally, preloaded apps can sometimes be used to collect user data, which can raise privacy concerns. However, manufacturers and carriers are increasingly aware of the negative impact of bloatware and are starting to include fewer preloaded apps on devices.