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All phones sold in India will be pre-installed with a state-owned 'security' app that needs access to all phone permissions — and you can't delete or uninstall it
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

All phones sold in India will be pre-installed with a state-owned ‘security’ app that needs access to all phone permissions — and you can’t delete or uninstall it

The Indian government's Department of Telecommunications has mandated that all phone manufacturers pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on their devices to enhance connectivity and security. Android manufacturers must comply with this directive for future models, and an OTA update will be provided for existing devices. Apple is also required to include the app on iPhones. The Sanchar Saathi app has over 10 million downloads and requires extensive permissions, including access to phone state, SMS, camera, call logs, and device storage. Manufacturers such as Vivo, Xiaomi, and OnePlus have not yet commented on the directive, while OPPO is assessing the situation and Samsung has not responded to inquiries.
Google is working on making it easier than ever to find your Call Notes (APK teardown)
AppWizard
September 9, 2025

Google is working on making it easier than ever to find your Call Notes (APK teardown)

Google is enhancing its Phone app with a new filter that allows users to separate calls with Call Notes from their call history. This feature, which is part of the app's updates, will help users access important information from past conversations more easily. The Call Notes feature, launched in 2024, transcribes conversations and generates summaries, but finding these notes in a long call history can be difficult. The new "Notes" filter will provide a dedicated space for accessing Call Notes. This feature is currently exclusive to Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series devices in the United States, and Pixel 9a users will not have access to it.
US court mandates Android app competition, loosens billing rules
AppWizard
August 4, 2025

US court mandates Android app competition, loosens billing rules

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Google's dominance in Android app distribution is illegal, reinforcing a previous jury verdict in favor of Epic Games. Google is now subject to a three-year injunction from 2024 to 2027, requiring the inclusion of rival app stores and alternative billing systems in the Google Play Store. A technical compliance committee, appointed by Epic and Google, will oversee the implementation, ensuring competitors access Google’s app catalog while minimizing security risks. Developers will no longer be required to use Google’s billing system for in-app purchases. Market analysts predict that this could lead to a decline in Google’s app revenue by .5 billion annually. Google plans to appeal the decision and seek delays to prevent rapid changes. Advocates for the ruling, including Microsoft and regulators, view it as a significant step toward a more competitive mobile market.
Xbox's plan to see games via Android app delayed by court order
AppWizard
November 28, 2024

Xbox’s plan to see games via Android app delayed by court order

Microsoft's initiative to enable Android users to purchase and play console games through the Xbox app is currently delayed due to a "temporary administrative stay" from the courts, linked to the ongoing legal dispute between Google and Epic Games. Xbox president Sarah Bond indicated that the feature was expected to launch in November for Android devices in the U.S., but the legal situation has hindered this rollout. The delay follows a favorable jury verdict for Epic Games, which led to a court order requiring Google to open its marketplace and eliminate its billing requirements, set to take effect on November 1. However, Google has appealed and received a stay on these changes. Google spokesperson Dan Jackson claimed that Microsoft has always had the ability to offer this functionality but chose not to, citing security concerns over a rushed implementation. Despite the setback, Microsoft is continuing to expand its mobile offerings, including a beta for game streaming on various devices and plans for a dedicated mobile store, which has been postponed for further research.
Microsoft to Allow Direct Xbox Game Purchases and Play in Android App Following U.S. Court Ruling Against Google -
AppWizard
October 11, 2024

Microsoft to Allow Direct Xbox Game Purchases and Play in Android App Following U.S. Court Ruling Against Google –

Microsoft will enable direct purchases and gameplay of Xbox titles through its Xbox App on Android devices starting in November. This decision follows a U.S. court ruling that requires Google to allow alternative payment methods, giving developers more flexibility and potentially lowering transaction fees. The integration of direct purchases aims to enhance user experience and accessibility for gamers, allowing them to buy Xbox games directly from the app.
Huawei announces 10,000 apps support 'HarmonyOS Next' after blocking Android apps
AppWizard
September 23, 2024

Huawei announces 10,000 apps support ‘HarmonyOS Next’ after blocking Android apps

Huawei has fully transitioned to its proprietary operating system, HarmonyOS, eliminating the ability to install Android applications. The company has developed over 10,000 applications for HarmonyOS, addressing 99.9% of consumers' usage needs. Huawei is set to officially launch this new platform on September 24, alongside new products, including the Mate XT, the world's first tri-fold smartphone.
Average app price
AppWizard
September 1, 2024

Average app price

As of August 2024, the Apple App Store has over 2 million applications, while the Google Play Store has approximately 3 million apps.
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