Samsung is infamous for preloading dozens of apps, some from itself and others from Google, Meta, and Microsoft, on its Galaxy devices. However, if Google goes ahead with what it proposed, Samsung may not need to preload its devices with as many Google apps as it does now.
Google has proposed changes to what Android OEMs could be free to do
In an antitrust case against Google for its monopoly in the internet search engine market, the US Department of Justice proposed sweeping changes to how Google operates. It proposed that Google should sell off Android and Chrome. However, Google is obviously not happy with those proposals.
In response, Google has proposed its own remedies to reduce its monopoly in the search market. One of the remedies Google proposed is additional flexibility for device makers to preload any Google app independently of preloading Google Chrome and Google Search.
So, hypothetically, Samsung can preload Google Maps, Google Search, and YouTube but not ship its phones and tablets with Google Drive, Google Home, and YouTube Music. Instead, it could choose to ship its phones with Microsoft OneDrive, SmartThings, and Spotify.
Google said that browser companies like Apple, The Browser Company, Mozilla, and Opera should continue to be free to deal with the search engine they think is best for their users. It proposes that those companies should have additional flexibility across platforms and browsing modes.
So, Apple could have one search engine for iPhones and another for iPads. Google also proposed that companies can change their default search engine every twelve months.
If the US Department of Justice agrees to Google's proposed remedies, Samsung would be free to not ship Galaxy phones and tablets with as many Google apps as it currently does.
While the Department of Justice wants any proposed changes to remain in effect for at least ten years, Google is only proposing the remedies for three years, stating that the pace of innovation has been extraordinary. Google still wants the ability to pay to become a browser's default search engine.
In any case, the outcome of the antitrust case against Google will only happen after the hearing between Google and the DOJ, which is set to happen in April 2025. The judge for this hearing is expected to rule before September 2025.
