We examine the Samsung AppCloud preloaded on Galaxy A, M and F phones—what it does, ironSource ties, spyware claims, and how to disable or remove it safely.
© A. Krivonosov
Debate has flared again around several lower-cost Samsung smartphones because of the preloaded AppCloud service. The system app is used to recommend third-party software during first-time setup and after device updates on Galaxy A, M, and F series models. It has previously drawn pushback as an intrusive tool that cannot be removed by standard means and that, in users’ view, helps Samsung monetize its budget devices.
The story took a new turn after social media posts alleged that AppCloud could act like spyware. The trigger was that the app is developed by ironSource, based in Israel and now owned by Unity. Those claims sent the topic viral again, even though similar disputes have been simmering for roughly two years.
The latest spike in attention traces to a post by the International Cyber Digest account on X, which has racked up millions of views. In that post, AppCloud was described as undeletable Israeli spyware, with a reference to an open letter from Lebanese rights group SMEX. In its analysis, SMEX said the ironSource service may collect user data and argued that its presence on Samsung phones poses legal and ethical risks in West Asia and North Africa, where companies from Israel are often barred from operating directly.
Another source of concern is that AppCloud cannot be removed without ADB commands—an option most users never touch. ironSource has also faced criticism in the past: its earlier installCore service, used in Windows and macOS installers, was flagged by some antivirus tools as potentially unwanted because of how it bundled additional apps.
At the same time, there is no evidence at this point that AppCloud is used for surveillance or for silently installing malware. The friction here appears to center on how pushy the service feels and the lack of an ordinary way to get rid of it. With frustration mounting, some expect Samsung to offer a way to disable or fully remove AppCloud, though there is no confirmation. Samsung has been asked to comment and has not responded so far.