Overview
- AppCloud has been preinstalled for years on Galaxy M, F, and A models in India and expanded to several West Asian and North African markets since 2022.
- The software functions as a marketing app-installer that appears during setup, pushes persistent prompts, and requires users to pick recommended apps before completing onboarding.
- SMEX alleges the app is deeply integrated, hard to uninstall without risky root access, and can return after updates even if disabled.
- AppCloud was developed by Israeli‑founded ironSource, now owned by Unity, and its accessible privacy policy is unclear, with past ironSource controversies intensifying concerns.
- Samsung and Unity have been asked for comment but have not issued substantive public responses as consumer advocates press for removability, clear opt‑outs, and transparent data practices.