Reports indicate that Samsung will allow users to remove a number of pre-installed apps on their Samsung Galaxy S6 if they want to.
The news signals a change for the company, which has long been trying to build a user-base of its apps. Could this decision be a permanent one?
The news comes via a number of leaked screen shots of the device, which show apps being disabled and a small "delete" button next to apps like S Health and S Voice as well as Google apps like YouTube, Gmail and Google+.
The move isn't all too surprising. Samsung has long been criticized for the number of apps that come pre-installed on its phones, with many suggesting that Samsung's TouchWiz, or its overlay of Android, includes far too much "bloatware" that users traditionally don't really use. The company has also seen declining smartphone sales over the past year or so, suggesting that it is looking for ways to boost sales again.
Allowing users to remove apps that they don't want is a great way to lure users into buying a Samsung smartphone.
It's important to mention that it seems as though users won't be able to completely wipe apps from their device, but will instead be able to "disable" them, essentially removing them from sight. Users can re-enable those apps in the settings menu. This is a good compromise for Samsung and its critics, with avid users of Samsung's apps still gaining access to them, and those who aren't big fans of those apps not having to view them at any time, essentially tidying up their phone.
It is unlikely that Samsung will ever allow users to completely remove apps from its smartphones. Services like Samsung's Milk Music have the potential to make a lot of money, and the company is likely to continue the push of these apps to try and capitalize on that potential. Samsung is, in fact, also reportedly preparing a mobile payment platform, which could help the company make a lot more money, despite the fact that most Android users are likely to stick with services like Google Wallet.
Other companies, like HTC with HTC Sense, have been criticized for apps of their own. As users want increased customization and the ability to change more things on their device, it is likely that the likes of HTC will take a cue from Samsung and allow users to have much more control over their apps and services.
