Research Analysis Exposed Smartphone Data Collection
A new study evaluated the volume of pre-installed applications and data collection practices across major mobile devices.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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A global analysis published by Surfshark has highlighted the varied quantities of pre-installed applications found on popular smartphones. The study found that Samsung devices lead the group with 88 pre-installed apps, followed by Google and Xiaomi.
Why it matters
Understanding the scale of pre-installed software is critical for users concerned about device privacy and data tracking. The findings reveal significant differences in how manufacturers manage app removal and user control over preloaded software.
Samsung devices contain 88 pre-installed applications, compared to 50 on Apple iPhones. Research indicates that 57 percent of pre-installed apps on Samsung and Xiaomi devices are classified as safe for users to remove.
The players
Surfshark
Surfshark is a cybersecurity company that conducted the analysis regarding data collection practices on mobile devices.
Samsung
Samsung is a leading global electronics manufacturer whose mobile devices were found to contain 88 pre-installed applications.
Apple
Apple is a major technology company that maintains different app removal policies for its iPhone users in the European Union versus other regions.
The details
Researchers evaluated data collection types disclosed on digital storefronts, noting that platforms like Facebook and Instagram collect 37 of 38 tracked data types. While Apple allows users in the European Union to remove 98 percent of pre-installed apps, the removal rate for users outside the EU is 88 percent.
Timeline
The analysis was published on September 23, 2026.
The Tech Race
The disparity in app removal permissions between the European Union and the rest of the world highlights the influence of regional regulatory frameworks on global software policy. This shift forces manufacturers to balance proprietary software ecosystems with increasing demands for user-controlled device management.
Users can check their device settings to identify and remove pre-installed applications that are flagged as safe for deletion. Understanding these default software loads helps consumers manage their device storage and limit the amount of background data shared with pre-installed services.
The takeaway
Consumers should regularly review their application lists to prune unused software that may be collecting personal data. Manufacturers are increasingly facing pressure to provide more granular control over these pre-loaded digital assets.
Further reading
For more information on hardware and software standards, visit Consumer Electronics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News.
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