Uncover hidden background installed apps with Android 14

Two days ago, the initial developer preview of Android 14 was released, accompanied by a number of exciting new features.

Android 14 is now capable of revealing applications that were secretly installed by your phone's manufacturer or service provider, or even by a malicious entity.

The phenomenon of "Bloatware" has been a persistent problem for Android smartphones, particularly those sold through US carriers. Devices are often pre-installed with an excessive amount of apps and games that are often duplicates and not necessary. These apps can even be added without the user's knowledge or consent by the carrier or smartphone manufacturer.

The introduction of Android 14 now provides users with the ability to monitor background app installations and keep track of apps added by the "device manufacturer" or carrier. This also serves as a preventive measure against potential malicious apps installed by malware or unauthorized parties.

Adjacent to every application, there is a straightforward "uninstall" button, and applications that were installed covertly in the previous six months are listed.