Android

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Android

Basic Information
Release Year	2008 (Android 1.0)
Product Type	Software
In Production	Yes
Official Website	https://android.com/

Android is an operating system which started in 2003, got acquired by Google in 2005, and made its first official release (Android 1.0) in 2008. It is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen-based mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, but is also used in smart TVs, cameras, in-car infotainment systems, etc.

Consumer impact summary

With over 3.5 billion active users, open-source flexibility, affordability, and extensive device ecosystems continue to shape consumer behavior, regional adoption, and technological advancements. Android’s global reach, affordability, and device diversity make it the preferred OS for billions, particularly in emerging economies. It remains the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, but its dominance has been accompanied by controversies from security vulnerabilities and privacy concerns to accusations of anti-competitive behavior and declining open-source commitments.

Global market share

Android remains the world’s dominant mobile operating system (OS) as of 2025, holding a 72.23% global market share compared to iOS with 27.39%.

• Asia & Africa: Android dominates with 95.16% in India, 86.8% in Indonesia, and 80.88% in Africa due to affordability and device variety.
• North America: Android holds 45% market share, trailing iOS (57.68%) in the U.S.
• Europe: Android leads with 65% market share, though iOS is strong in the UK (52.29%).
• Affordability: Android devices range from $100 budget phones to premium flagships, making them accessible in emerging markets.
• Device Variety: Multiple manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO) offer diverse options, unlike Apple’s closed ecosystem.

Incidents

This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this software. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the Android category.

Data collection

Main article: Android Data Collection

Android mobile devices, even when minimally configured, collect and share with Google extensive user data with little options for opting-out, raising privacy concerns.

Android System Safety Core silent install

Main article: Android System SafetyCore

On January 22, 2025, Google quietly rolled out Android System SafetyCore to all Android devices. The installation of the program neither informed consumers that it was installed, nor did it request consumers to install it onto their devices.

OEM Locked Bootloaders

Main article: Motorola

In North America, many Android devices like phones or tablets will not allow consumers to unlock and do what they want to modify the software. Therefore, it has been incredibly difficult and nearly impossible to root and install custom ROMs on the device unless an exploit has been found.