Android is an open-source operating system developed by Google. The “open-source” part is what makes Android skins possible. Google makes changes and updates to Android, and then releases the source code to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This original code is what many refer to as “stock” or “vanilla” Android because it’s a very bare-bones version. Manufacturers, like Samsung, LG, OnePlus, and others, start with stock Android. However, because Android’s code is open-source, they’re free to modify it to their liking. If they want to include Google apps and services on their devices, though, they must first meet a few requirements. When a new version of Android is released, it’s up to manufacturers to customize it and send it to their own devices. Google isn’t responsible for updating all Android devices. 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. There are varying levels of modification when it comes to Android skins. For example, Google Pixel devices don’t run stock Android, but Google’s user interface (UI) customizations are fairly minimal. Samsung Galaxy devices, on the other hand, run “One UI,” and they look quite a bit different than stock Android. 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’s One UI is probably the most widely used Android skin. Everything from the Settings menu and the lock screen, to the notification shade, has been customized in some way. This is the case with most Android skins-the most noticeable customizations are on the surface. However, skins are more than just aesthetics. Samsung phones have many software features you won’t find on other devices. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Fold has tons of custom features for its folding display. Skins allow a manufacturer to not only customize the look, but also throw in special features to differentiate its devices. 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. Google sets these requirements so Android apps will work consistently across different skins. This is why Android devices that ship with Google services generally work the same. They might look very different, but, for the most part, everything will be where you expect it to be. 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. The main takeaway here is that an Android skin is simply a modified version of the Android operating system. Still, if an Android device is going to include Google services, those modifications can only go so far.
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