Bloatware Reality Check: iPhone vs. Android Privacy

While Android is frequently lauded for its open architecture, the sheer volume of non-removable software often undermines that promise. Surfshark’s data indicates that iPhones arrive with roughly 50 pre-installed applications, with EU users able to purge 96 percent of them. Conversely, Samsung devices ship with 88 pre-installed apps, of which only 57 percent can be deleted. Google’s own hardware fares worse, allowing the removal of only 38 percent of its 71 pre-installed offerings.

Beyond the frustration of wasted storage, these applications pose a significant privacy risk by operating in the background to harvest user information. Apple’s pre-installed apps collect an average of eight data types, though specific titles like Apple Music and the App Store track significantly more. Google and Samsung apps are more aggressive, averaging 13 data types each. Among the most invasive are social media platforms bundled on Samsung devices, which can track up to 37 distinct data points.

Tomas Stamulis, Surfshark’s Chief Security Officer, warns that even dormant applications can link to a device and harvest personal details for advertising or third-party sharing. He recommends pivoting toward privacy-focused third-party alternatives to minimize data exposure and reduce the risks associated with centralized data storage.