Android Phones Are All Set To Become Costlier. Here’s Why

Google recently removed its unofficial motto ‘Don’t Be Evil” from the code of conduct it distributed to its employees. Now, it appears to be following up on that action.

Mint has reported that Google will start charging an undisclosed sum from phone manufacturers that use its Android platform. Previously, companies could license Android at zero cost. However, Google had mandated that some of its services like Maps, Search and Chrome browser, get preferential treatment on Android phones. This agreement has made Android the undisputed leader in the Smartphone OS (Operating System) segment, cornering 85 per cent market share).

These monopolistic prac its unofficial motto ‘Don’t Be Evil” from the code of conduct it distributed to its gemployees. Now, it appears to be following up on that action.n in July (2018). This ruling has been appealed against by the company.

Since Google now won’t be able to compulsorily force phone manufacturers to put Google apps on the phones, it will begin charging a licence fee for Android. This would drastically raise the costs of smartphones and affect the expanding internet user base in India which accesses the internet through Android smartphones. Apple’s iOS has less than three per cent share in India.

Also, even though Google will not be able to force its apps on the hardware companies, consumers will continue to use Google services since there are no credible alternatives. Thus, the customers will lose on both counts: increased smartphone prices and lack of an alternative to Google’s services.

There will only be one winner: Google.