Android phones in this country could be very different from global markets

Google has been forced to make a raft of changes to Android in India after a ruling by the country’s competition watchdog. Now, it looks like a leaker has uncovered a major change to Android’s licensing terms in the market.

Tipster and code sleuth Kuba Wojciechowski claimed to have obtained access to Google documentation that shows how Android phones in India could differ from global devices.

More specifically, Wojciechowski says India will receive a version of Google Mobile Services (GMS) with optional Google apps. This would form part of a so-called Indian Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (IMADA) between OEMs and Google, differing from the regular MADA terms in other markets.

The standard agreement requires the pre-installation of 11 key Google apps, according to the tipster, while the IMADA only requires the installation of the Google Play Store. In saying so, Google will purportedly offer a “per-app bounty” to smartphone makers who pre-install any of these 11 apps.

The Indian agreement also doesn’t require smartphone makers to include a Google search bar, Google app folder, or Play Store icon on the main screen. Finally, Wojciechowski asserts that the IMADA will follow Europe by allowing Indian users to choose their default search engine during the setup process. This option will apparently be in place from Q2 2023.

Not in India? Then it seems like standard agreements will still be in effect for you, as phones that use the IMADA and therefore have these changes will only be available in India.