How does an Android phone work without Google apps? Look at China
Debate over Google’s dominance revives after EU ruling
In most of the world, Google’s apps have become so ubiquitous it’s hard to find an Android device without some pre-installed.
Some have said they can’t imagine using Android without Google. But in the world’s largest smartphone market, tens of millions of Android handsets are sold without any Google apps at all.
Yup, I’m talking about China.
Google launches a WeChat mini game in China
Since 2010, when Google pulled its search engine from mainland China out of censorship concerns, the majority of Google apps and services are blocked in the country.
Many of these stores actually provide a wide range of Google apps -- but most need access to Google’s servers to run, meaning they can’t function without using a VPN to bypass China’s Great Firewall.
It's hard to see those apps breaking into the West -- partially because, realistically speaking, Google apps aren't going away.
Unlike in China, Europeans can freely seek out and use Google apps even if they aren’t bundled with Android. Given how many Europeans are already hooked on Google’s popular services, it’s possible that some phone makers will choose to preload Google apps on their devices, even if they aren’t forced to do so.
How China’s tech scene is shaped by the government
For more insights into China tech, sign up for our tech newsletters, subscribe to our Inside China Tech podcast, and download the comprehensive 2019 China Internet Report. Also roam China Tech City, an award-winning interactive digital map at our sister site Abacus.
For more insights into China tech, sign up for our tech newsletters, subscribe to our Inside China Tech podcast, and download the comprehensive 2019 China Internet Report. Also roam China Tech City, an award-winning interactive digital map at our sister site Abacus.