Samsung continues to package its Galaxy smartphones with an extensive lineup of preinstalled bloatware, leaving buyers to clean up unwanted applications even after purchasing expensive flagship hardware like the $1,400 Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Depending on regional markets, carriers, and device models, fresh-out-of-the-box Galaxy setups routinely feature software that many users never requested. Third-party integrations frequently include services like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Microsoft OneDrive, and Spotify, alongside Samsung’s own optional utilities such as Samsung Shop, Samsung TV Plus, and Samsung Global Goals. In July 2026, Samsung also struck a deal to preload Amazon Music across designated Galaxy smartphones and tablets, bundling a three-month promotional trial of Amazon Music Unlimited that rolls into a paid recurring charge if not cancelled.
Device owners have multiple built-in tools to reclaim screen space and reduce background overhead. Unwanted applications can often be uninstalled directly by long-pressing their icons or navigating to the Apps section in Settings. When a full deletion is locked out, users can frequently choose the Disable option in the same menu, which deactivates the software and removes it from the launcher while keeping base files intact.
If an app cannot be disabled, the home screen settings menu allows users to hide icons entirely from view, though hidden applications continue to occupy storage and can still generate alerts. Users must manually turn off permissions under App Notifications to prevent those background programs from displaying pop-ups. Core operational tools—such as Phone, Messages, Contacts, Gallery, and My Files—remain permanently locked into the operating system.
Storage-related software bloat has trailed Samsung for over a decade. In 2013, the 16GB variant of the Galaxy S4 drew widespread criticism after system files, Android code, and bundled software consumed significant space, leaving purchasers with roughly 9.5GB of actual usable capacity.
Source: engadget.com
