But if that’s so, why does the company refuse to address this issue?
One word: Google.
Here’s why Samsung doesn’t want you to use Google apps.
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Why Samsung and Google Need Each Other
Samsung and Google have a symbiotic relationship.
In a way, Samsung ensures that Google services actually reach people.
Without Google, Samsung would not be able tocompete with the Apple ecosystemon its own.
Image Credit:Google
If it were up to Samsung, Galaxy phones wouldn’t even be running on Android.
In fact, in 2010, Samsung tried to replace Android by launching its own mobile OS called Bada.
When that didn’t work, Samsung tried again in 2012 with Tizen, but to no avail.
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Although Samsung couldn’t replace Android, its attempts to do so threatened Google.
This would make Google services and the Android OS irrelevant almost overnight.
So, to retaliate, Google bought Motorola for $12.5 billion in 2012.
It’s no wonder that Google later sold Motorola to Lenovo in 2014 for just $2.91 billion.
This rivalry is far from over, though.
If the two companies work together, Samsung can secure Google as a big customer for its manufacturing business.
In fact, the Tensor chipset found in Google Pixel phones is made by Samsung Foundry.
Some reports also suggest that the display on the rumored Pixel Fold is made by Samsung as well.
For context, this partnership doesn’t mean Samsung has to stop developing its own apps and services.
Samsung phones now get four years of major OS updatesmore than any other Android brand, including Google itself.
Samsung has partnered with Microsoft to bridge the gap between their ecosystems.
It’s why when youback up your Galaxy phone, Samsung uses Microsoft OneDrive instead of Google Drive.
All of these efforts are directed toward reducing Samsung’s reliance on Google.
The problem is, a lot of modern apps and services depend on Google Mobile Services (GMS).