What mobile operating system comes pre-installed on many smartphones?

Many smartphones come pre-installed with Google Android as their operating system due to its widespread adoption and versatility. Android is an open-source platform developed by Google, which allows various manufacturers to customize it for their devices, leading to its prevalence across a diverse range of smartphones. This has made it the leading mobile operating system globally.

The characteristics of Android include a user-friendly interface, a vast ecosystem of applications available through the Google Play Store, and regular updates that enhance functionality and security. Manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi heavily rely on Android to power their devices, contributing to its dominant market share.

Other operating systems listed may have had a presence in the market but do not match the prevalence and support that Android receives. For example, iOS, while popular and widely recognized for its integration with Apple products, is limited to Apple's own devices. Windows Phone was phased out due to a lack of app support and market share. Symbian, once a major player, has become obsolete as smartphones have evolved. Thus, Google Android stands out as the primary operating system found pre-installed on a majority of smartphones today.