Question Meta Auto-updating System-based Apps?

[Sizzers]

Since when have Meta been able or allowed to auto-update system based apps?

I've only ever had these for the Play Store itself, Play Services and Webview but this turned up yesterday as shown in the attached image.

 

[B. Diddy]

Which phone do you have, and did you get it through a carrier, or was it completely unlocked?

Some carriers (like Verizon and T-Mobile) can install an insidious app (AppSelector from T-Mobile and Verizon App Manager) that automatically installs certain apps.

 

[Sizzers]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm in the UK and purchased, as all my phones have been, unlocked.

The Meta apps I have installed are WhatsApp and Messenger. Really don't want the latter but I need it for certain messaging.

Edit: Forgot to add it's a Samsung A25.

 

[B. Diddy]

Did those Meta app updates coincide with updates to WhatsApp and FB Messenger as well?

Later when I get home, I'll check my Galaxy A32 5G to see if any of those Meta services are installed. I haven't voluntarily installed anything from Meta on that phone, so if they're present, that would suggest that Samsung is including them as system apps.

 

[Sizzers]

WhatsApp updated 2-3 days earlier IIRC and Messenger I had re-installed at roughly the same time having previously got rid of it.

I'm just curious as to how they've auto-updated as the only system apps which have ever done this before are the three Google ones I mentioned previously. I thought only Google had the ability or permission to do this but I could be wrong of course.

 

[B. Diddy]

I just checked my Galaxy A32 5G -- it does in fact have Meta App Installer, Meta App Manager, and Meta Services (while my Pixel 7 Pro, obtained unlocked through Best Buy, does not). These can all be Disabled but not Uninstalled, which indicates they are apps that were installed by Samsung (or possibly T-Mobile -- this phone is from T-Mobile, but I never use a SIM in it).

I can't be sure if these apps are being updated through the Play Store (perhaps via Google Play System Updates), or if one of those Meta apps includes its own way of auto-updating. But I just wanted to let you know that they definitely seem to be system apps on Samsung phones.

 

[Mooncatt]

I have these on my new Sony Xperia 1 V that I bought unlocked, and i think were on my prior LG V60 that was Verizon locked. I'm sure they paid either Google or the manufacturers to include more bloat on our phones.

 

[mustang7757]

My US Samsung unlocked all 3 are there only can be disabled otherwise you want disable or have package disabler take it off the apps list

 

[dangerousfen]

I've just checked and they are also on my purchased unlocked Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus 5g. So it's definitely not a Samsung only thing.
Very odd. Meta rules I guess?

 

[Mr. Lucky]

Those three Meta apps were pre-installed on my OnePlus Open and were easily removed via ADB. There is no downside to doing so.
ADB instructions: https://www.xda-developers.com/uninstall-carrier-oem-bloatware-without-root-access/

 

[Sizzers]

FB came pre-installed which I automatically uninstalled as I only ever use the web version.

I wasn't too surprised to find these apps installed, but only after I was made aware of them by the notification showing they had been updated.

It's no big deal as I disabled them straight after but I was somewhat surprised as I thought the only apps which could be auto-updated were Google's own but evidently not.

 

[smvim]

FB came pre-installed which I automatically uninstalled as I only ever use the web version.

I wasn't too surprised to find these apps installed, but only after I was made aware of them by the notification showing they had been updated.

It's no big deal as I disabled them straight after but I was somewhat surprised as I thought the only apps which could be auto-updated were Google's own but evidently not.

Meta apps (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.) can only update themselves. You're assumption that Meta has the ability to upgrade Android apps isn't based on factual practices -- i.e. Meta Services relate to only Meta apps, it has nothing to do with Android-related services. Nor can Meta upgrade/alter apps from other developers -- it cannot apply updates to the Signal app.
If your misguided assumption was actually true, Meta would see its apps removed from Google's Play Store.

 

[B. Diddy]

Meta apps (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.) can only update themselves. You're assumption that Meta has the ability to upgrade Android apps isn't based on factual practices -- i.e. Meta Services relate to only Meta apps, it has nothing to do with Android-related services. Nor can Meta upgrade/alter apps from other developers -- it cannot apply updates to the Signal app.
If your misguided assumption was actually true, Meta would see its apps removed from Google's Play Store.

The issue, though, is that those Meta apps were updated automatically, whereas the OP has turned off (I assume) auto-updates in the Play Store. You're correct in that those Meta system apps are only supposed to manage updates to apps like Facebook and Instagram, but those Meta system apps themselves apparently can update on their own, despite automatic updates in the Play Store being turned off. This would indicate that these Meta system apps are being installed and updated as part of the system updates (either the security patches or Google Play System Updates).

 

[mustang7757]

On my Pixel I don't even see those Meta apps so probably a Samsung deal unless they named it differently on the pixel

 

[Sizzers]

Meta apps (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.) can only update themselves. You're assumption that Meta has the ability to upgrade Android apps isn't based on factual practices -- i.e. Meta Services relate to only Meta apps, it has nothing to do with Android-related services. Nor can Meta upgrade/alter apps from other developers -- it cannot apply updates to the Signal app.
If your misguided assumption was actually true, Meta would see its apps removed from Google's Play Store.

It was not a 'misguided' assumption as you suggest in that it is neither what I said let alone even implied.

My surprise was that these Meta system apps have the ability to auto-update, whereas before in 11 years plus of Android use the only times I have seen this is with Google's own system apps.

 

[mimichelle13]

I have 2 phones. One is Google Pixel pro 7 (bought at at&t), it does not have these apps. However my Motorola G stylus ,(unlocked) does.. but it didn't when I bought it . They actually appeared with a system update... Along with some Verizon apps that shouldn't be there. I have not had Verizon in 2 years and never with this phone.. they are not on the Google Pixel pro.
I made a post about this a while back. So I'm glad someone else was able to explain it correctly and was understood. Cause I was not.