The Android mobile operating system is free for consumers and for manufacturers to install, but manufacturers need a licence to install Gmail, Google Maps and the Google Play store - collectively called Google Mobile Services (GMS).

Do phone companies pay Google for Android?

Google hasn't historically charged for Android and its apps because of the revenue brought in through Chrome and search. ... The base Android operating system will remain free and open-source, but if phone and tablet manufacturers want Google's apps and the Play Store, they'll have to pay a license fee in Europe.

Is Android free or open source?

Android is an open source operating system for mobile devices and a corresponding open source project led by Google.