Still, if an Android device is going to include Google services, those modifications can only go so far.
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The main takeaway here is that an Android skin is simply a modified version of the Android operating system. This also means if you switch from a Samsung Galaxy phone with One UI to a OnePlus with OxygenOS, all your apps will still work. They might look very different, but, for the most part, everything will be where you expect it to be. This is why Android devices that ship with Google services generally work the same. Google sets these requirements so Android apps will work consistently across different skins. OnePlusĪs we mentioned above, manufacturers must meet certain requirements if they want to include the Google Play Store and other Google services on their devices. Skins allow a manufacturer to not only customize the look, but also throw in special features to differentiate its devices. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Fold has tons of custom features for its folding display.
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Samsung phones have many software features you won’t find on other devices. However, skins are more than just aesthetics. This is the case with most Android skins-the most noticeable customizations are on the surface. Everything from the Settings menu and the lock screen, to the notification shade, has been customized in some way. Samsung’s One UI is probably the most widely used Android skin. Here’s the thing, though: Android skins are really much more than just “skins.” They’re all actually a unique version of the Android operating system. Samsung Galaxy devices, on the other hand, run “One UI,” and they look quite a bit different than stock Android. For example, Google Pixel devices don’t run stock Android, but Google’s user interface (UI) customizations are fairly minimal. There are varying levels of modification when it comes to Android skins. What Is an Android Skin?Īn Android skin is most easily described as a modified version of stock Android. Here are some of the most popular Android skins: Stock Android is simply the starting point on which other companies can build.
Google isn’t responsible for updating all Android devices. When a new version of Android is released, it’s up to manufacturers to customize it and send it to their own devices.
If they want to include Google apps and services on their devices, though, they must first meet a few requirements. However, because Android’s code is open-source, they’re free to modify it to their liking. Manufacturers, like Samsung, LG, OnePlus, and others, start with stock Android. This original code is what many refer to as “stock” or “vanilla” Android because it’s a very bare-bones version. Google makes changes and updates to Android, and then releases the source code to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The “open-source” part is what makes Android skins possible. Android is an open-source operating system developed by Google. What Is “Stock” Android?īefore we get to the skins, it’s important to understand the OS at its core. We’ll explain what exactly skins are, why manufacturers are allowed to modify Android, and what it all means for the Android ecosystem as a whole. There are a few things you’ll have to understand about Android before we dive into skins specifically. Many manufacturers that produce Android devices use their own custom “skins” to make the operating system look unique. Not all Android devices look the same, but we’re not just talking about the physical appearance of the hardware.