Should Google pre-install these 7 open-source apps on Android? An overview and analysis

A 2023 article suggested that Google could enrich Android with seven open-source applications to enhance privacy and functionality. Are these apps still relevant? What benefits do they offer compared to their Google counterparts? And above all — why haven't they been integrated into the system yet? We have analyzed each point, checked the development status, compatibility, and the real chances of change.

For several years, the question has regularly resurfaced in tech forums, open-source communities, and among privacy activists: why doesn't Google pre-install proven open-source applications on its Android devices? In 2023, the makeuseof portal published an article suggesting seven specific tools that could be integrated into the system. The idea seems simple: offer users alternatives to standard Google apps, which are often tied to activity monitoring, data collection, or advertising. But is it really that obvious? Has Google ever embraced open-source solutions? What barriers stand in the way? And most importantly — are these apps still noteworthy alternatives?

We have analyzed every point of the 2023 article, updated the information as of May 2024, checked the development status of the projects, their compatibility with the latest versions of Android, and the real benefits compared to Google's counterparts. We have also prepared a list of alternative recommendation sources, such as F-Droid or lineageos, to show which open-source apps are truly popular among privacy-conscious users.

1. Seven open-source apps that should come to Android — what has changed since 2023?

The 2023 makeuseof article listed the following applications as potential candidates for pre-installation on the Android system:

• Organic Maps – an offline navigation and map app based on openstreetmap data;
• Signal – an end-to-end encrypted messenger recommended by the Electronic Frontier Foundation;
• K-9 Mail – an email client with PGP encryption support;
• Simple Gallery – a lightweight photo viewer without ads or tracking;
• Aegis Authenticator – a 2FA password manager with TOTP and HOTP support;
• Termux – a terminal emulator with the ability to run Linux tools;
• newpipe – a YouTube client without ads, tracking, or the need for a Google account.

Is this list still current? Yes, but with some caveats. None of the listed applications have been integrated into the Android system by Google, and the makeuseof article has not been updated since October 2023. However, some of these projects have gained popularity since then. For example, Organic Maps and Signal are increasingly cited as trustworthy alternatives to Google Maps and Google Messages. According to F-Droid statistics, Organic Maps was downloaded over a million times in 2024, which demonstrates growing interest.

It is worth noting, however, that newpipe has been struggling for several months with issues related to changes in the YouTube API. Users report on github that the app has stopped working correctly on some Android 14 devices. Similar issues have also affected Termux, some features of which require additional permissions or rooting the device, limiting its accessibility for the average user.

The table below presents the current development status of each application, along with links to official repositories and the dates of the latest releases:

It is worth noting that most of these projects are developed by open-source communities, and their progress depends on volunteers and donations. For example, Organic Maps is primarily funded through crowdfunding, and Signal uses a subscription model where users can voluntarily support the app's development.

2. Are these apps compatible with the latest versions of Android? Problems and limitations

Android 14 and 15 introduce a number of API changes that affect the operation of some open-source applications. Here is the situation as of May 2024:

Compatibility with Android 14/15

• Organic Maps: Compatible with Android 8+, runs smoothly on Android 14 and 15. According to the GitHub repository, the latest release has been tested on Android 14 devices.
• Signal: Requires Android 5.0+, runs on Android 14 and 15. The app is regularly updated to adapt to API changes.
• K-9 Mail: Compatible with Android 5+, but some features, such as synchronization, may require additional configuration on Android 14.
• Simple Gallery: Runs on Android 5+, but some features, such as photo editing, may require additional permissions on Android 14.
• Aegis Authenticator: Compatible with Android 6+, runs on Android 14 and 15 without issues.
• Termux: The latest version runs on Android 7+, but some scripts and tools require rooting the device or additional permissions. On github, users report issues with some packages on Android 14.
• newpipe: The app has stopped working correctly on some Android 14 devices due to changes in the YouTube API. Users are reporting bugs on github, and the development team is working on a fix.

Regarding Termux and newpipe, their operation on the latest Android versions is limited by Google's policy toward apps that "bypass" standard system mechanisms. For example, newpipe cannot be distributed via Google Play because it violates the service's terms of use.

3. Open-source benefits: why consider these apps instead of Google equivalents?

The table below compares the main advantages of open-source applications with their Google counterparts. The goal is not to disparage standard tools, but to show the benefits that open-source alternatives bring:

One of the key arguments for choosing open-source alternatives is privacy protection. For example, Organic Maps does not collect any user data, while Google Maps constantly monitors location and activity. Similarly, Signal offers end-to-end encryption, while Google Messages (in SMS mode) does not always encrypt messages. According to the EFF Secure Messaging Scorecard, Signal is one of the most secure options on the market.

However, it is worth remembering that open-source does not always mean a better user experience. For example, K-9 Mail requires manual email server configuration and PGP handling, which can be complicated for the average user. Similarly, Termux is intended primarily for advanced users who need a terminal and Linux tools.

4. Has Google ever integrated open-source apps into Android? History and examples

Although Google does not pre-install popular open-source applications on its devices, it has integrated several open-source projects into the Android system in the past. Here are the most important examples:

• webview: A library used to display web pages in applications. It is based on the Chromium code, which is an open-source project. webview is an integral part of Android and is used by many applications to render web content.
• exoplayer: A media playback library developed by Google but released under an open-source license (Apache 2.0). It is used by many applications, including YouTube.
• safetynet: A device integrity verification service that has been part of Android for several years. In 2022, Google replaced it with the Play Integrity API, which still relies on open-source verification mechanisms.

Why did Google decide to integrate these specific projects? Primarily for standardization and compatibility. webview and exoplayer are key components that allow applications to function consistently across different devices. SafetyNet (and now the Play Integrity API) was intended to increase device security, especially in the context of malware.

It is worth noting, however, that Google rarely integrates full open-source applications into the system. It usually uses open-source components or libraries but does not provide users with ready-to-use applications. Why does this happen? The answer lies in Google's business model, which is based on advertising, data collection, and personalization.

5. Why doesn't Google pre-install open-source apps? Technical, legal, and business obstacles

There are several key reasons why Google does not decide to pre-install popular open-source applications on its Android devices. Here are the most important ones:

1. Google's business model

Google earns primarily from advertising, data collection, and cloud services. Open-source applications, such as Organic Maps or Signal, do not offer mechanisms for ad personalization or user data collection. Implementing them on a large scale could reduce ad revenue, which is the main pillar of Google's business model.

For example, Google Maps not only displays ads but also collects user location data, which is then used for ad targeting. Organic Maps, on the other hand, offers no form of ad personalization, meaning it provides no direct financial benefit to Google.

2. Competition policy and legal regulations

In recent years, regulatory bodies, such as the European Commission, have begun to scrutinize Google's competition practices. The Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect in 2024, requires large technology platforms to allow users to choose alternative applications and services. However, pre-installing specific open-source applications could be considered a violation of competition rules because it would favor some projects over others.

For example, if Google were to pre-install Signal instead of Google Messages, it could be seen as an attempt to reduce competition in the messenger market. Similarly, pre-installing Organic Maps could be seen as an attempt to weaken the position of Google Maps.

3. Control over the Google Play ecosystem

The Google Play Store is the main distribution channel for Android apps. Many open-source apps, such as newpipe, are not available on Google Play because they violate the service's terms of use. Google therefore has no control over the distribution of these apps, which makes it difficult to pre-install them on Android devices.

Furthermore, some open-source apps, such as Termux, require additional permissions or configuration, making them unsuitable for the average user. Google, in its pursuit of a consistent user experience, may avoid pre-installing such applications.

4. License and security issues

Most open-source applications are covered by licenses such as GPL, MIT, or Apache 2.0. Although these licenses are open, Google may fear that pre-installing such applications will expose them to security issues or license violations. For example, if an open-source app had a security vulnerability, Google could be held liable.

Furthermore, Google primarily uses the Apache 2.0 license, which only requires the source code to be shared in the event of modification. However, pre-installing open-source applications could require additional legal and technical actions to ensure compliance with license terms.

6. Alternative recommendation sources: F-Droid and lineageos

If you are looking for trustworthy open-source applications, don't limit yourself to the list from the makeuseof article. There are other sources that offer proven and popular applications, such as F-Droid and lineageos.

F-Droid: an open-source app store

F-Droid is an open-source app store that offers thousands of apps free from ads, tracking, and data collection. As of May 2024, the most popular app categories on F-Droid are:

• Navigation: Organic Maps, osmand~, streetcomplete;
• Communication: Element (Matrix), Briar, Jitsi Meet;
• Security: netguard (firewall), openkeychain, keepassdx;
• System tools: Termux, connectbot, Simple Calendar;
• Multimedia: VLC, NewPipe, antennapod.

F-Droid also offers automatic updates, ensuring users always have the latest versions of their apps. Importantly, all apps available on F-Droid are free of ads and tracking, making it an excellent source for privacy-conscious users.

lineageos: a custom ROM with pre-installed open-source apps

lineageos is a popular custom ROM based on Android that often pre-installs open-source applications. For example:

• etchdroid – an app for writing ISO images to USB media;
• seedvault – app data backup;
• lineageos Browser – a web browser based on webview;
• Open Camera – an open-source camera app.

lineageos is popular among advanced users who want more control over their device. Pre-installing open-source apps in a custom ROM does not violate legal regulations because lineageos is not an official system from Google.

So, if you are looking for alternatives to standard Google apps, it is worth considering using F-Droid or installing a custom ROM such as lineageos. Both options offer more privacy and flexibility than standard Android.

7. Summary: will Google ever integrate these apps into Android?

Based on our analysis, it can be concluded that the chances of Google pre-installing any of the listed open-source applications are slim. There are several reasons for this:

• Google's business model relies on advertising and data collection, and open-source apps do not offer such mechanisms;
• Competition policy and legal regulations, such as the DMA, may prevent Google from favoring specific applications;
• Control over the Google Play ecosystem means Google has no control over the distribution of many open-source applications;
• License and security issues may pose additional challenges for Google.

Nevertheless, there are some signs that may suggest Google is beginning to take a more open approach to open-source. For example, in 2023, Google announced that Fuchsia OS, its new operating system, would be more heavily based on open-source components. Furthermore, Google is increasingly using open-source libraries such as ExoPlayer or WebView.

However, if you care about using open-source applications, the best solution is to manually install them from F-Droid or use custom ROMs such as lineageos. This allows you to enjoy greater privacy and flexibility without sacrificing functionality.

It is also worth remembering that open-source does not always mean a better user experience. Some applications, such as K-9 Mail or Termux, require additional configuration and technical knowledge. Therefore, before you decide to abandon Google apps, it is worth carefully analyzing whether a given alternative will meet your expectations.

Summary: what is worth remembering?

• The 2023 article lists seven open-source apps that could be integrated into Android. In 2024, this list remains relevant, although not all apps are compatible with the latest Android versions;
• Google rarely pre-installs full open-source applications, mainly due to its business model, competition policy, and legal regulations;
• Open-source applications offer greater privacy and no tracking, but may require additional configuration;
• Alternative sources, such as F-Droid and lineageos, offer proven open-source apps that can be installed manually or via a custom ROM;
• If you care about privacy and flexibility, the best solution is to use F-Droid or install a custom ROM such as LineageOS.

In today's world, where privacy and data control are becoming increasingly important, open-source applications represent a noteworthy alternative to standard tools from Google. Although Google is unlikely to decide to pre-install such applications anytime soon, users still have the choice — just reach for F-Droid or a custom ROM.

Sources

• https://www.makeuseof.com/open-source-apps-google-should-pre-install-android/
• https://github.com/organicmaps/organicmaps
• https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Android
• https://github.com/thundernest/k-9
• https://github.com/SimpleMobileTools/Simple-Gallery
• https://github.com/beemdevelopment/Aegis
• https://github.com/termux/termux-app
• https://github.com/TeamNewPipe/NewPipe
• https://web.archive.org/web/20231015000000*/https://www.makeuseof.com/open-source-apps-google-should-pre-install-android/
• https://f-droid.org/
• https://github.com/organicmaps/organicmaps/releases
• https://signal.org/android/apk/