Google reportedly tightening Android manufacturer contracts to require up to 20 pre-installed apps

Google’s Android operating system has been an enormous success in terms of user adoption, but the company’s own financial gains from the product haven’t always kept pace. A new report from The Information details the growing number of requirements that Google has added to its contracts with Android handset manufacturers in order to generate more revenue.

For instance, one contract has increased the number of required pre-installed Google apps from nine to 20. Google has also dictated the placement and ordering of its apps and search bar on the homescreen and in a special Google folder.

While some manufacturers choose to build Android devices without cooperating with Google, doing so prevents them from gaining access to the Google Play store and key Google apps. As The Information notes, Google has even more stringent agreements in place for companies that want a share of revenues from search and Google Play.

➤ Google’s Confidential Android Contracts Show Rising Requirements [The Information]