Apple and Google Dominate Market with Pre-installed Phone Apps

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] An analysis has emerged that Apple and Google have dominated the app market through their pre-installed apps on iOS and Android devices.

IT specialist media The Verge exclusively obtained a report from market research firm Comscore, which investigated widely used apps on iOS and Android smartphones, and made this analysis on the 8th.

The analysis showed that on iOS smartphones, 15 out of the top 20 apps (75%) were pre-installed apps by Apple, while on Android smartphones, 12 out of the top 20 apps (60%) were pre-installed by Google.

Among third-party apps ranked in the top 20, on Apple smartphones were Google’s YouTube and Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon. On Android smartphones, there were Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Samsung Calculator, Mail, Amazon, and Walmart.

The report stated, "Pre-installed apps hold a firm position in providing basic information and functions such as weather, photos, and clocks for each operating system," adding, "This suggests that it is difficult for other apps to enter and compete in these areas."

Apple and Google do not disclose usage data for pre-installed apps. However, app developers have long pointed out that the two companies hinder competition by bundling their apps and services with the operating system.

Google did not comment on the survey results, but Apple immediately rebutted the report.

An Apple representative emphasized, "This survey was meticulously designed to give the false impression that there is almost no competition in the App Store," adding, "Third-party apps compete with Apple’s apps in all fields and have achieved great success."

They continued, "This survey also has serious methodological flaws," adding, "The results do not reflect the factor of pre-installed apps and do not align with the app usage rankings announced by Comscore in April."

Comscore, supported by Facebook, surveyed 4,000 smartphone users about their use of pre-installed apps during November last year and analyzed data regularly collected from apps and websites since December last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.