Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Could Arrive With Even More Pre-Installed Apps
Samsung Galaxy phones are already known for arriving with a long list of pre-installed apps, and that list appears to be getting even longer. The latest addition is Amazon Music, which is set to come pre-installed on millions of Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets in the future.
Samsung is presenting the move as a new benefit for Galaxy users rather than another unwanted app. Through a new partnership with Amazon, the Amazon Music app will not only be available through the Galaxy Store but will also be included on new Galaxy devices out of the box.
To make the offer more appealing, Samsung Galaxy users who find Amazon Music already installed on their device, or download it from the Galaxy Store, can receive three months of Amazon Music Unlimited at no cost. The subscription gives access to more than 100 million songs without ads. Once the free trial ends, the service costs $11.99 per month, while Amazon Prime members pay $10.99 per month.
For users who already enjoy Amazon Music, this could be a useful perk. However, for many Galaxy buyers, it may simply feel like one more app to remove after setting up a new phone.
The issue of Samsung bloatware has been a common complaint for years. High-end devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are expected to ship with several apps that duplicate services already offered by Google. For example, many Galaxy phones include both Google Chrome and Samsung Internet, Gmail and Samsung Email, the Google Play Store and the Galaxy Store, plus additional apps from companies such as Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon.
Carrier versions of Galaxy smartphones can include even more pre-installed apps, depending on the network provider. This means some users may need to spend extra time uninstalling or disabling apps they never planned to use.
Pre-installed apps are not always bad. Some users may appreciate having services like Amazon Music, OneDrive, or Samsung’s own apps ready to go from the start. But the frustration comes when phones feel cluttered before the owner has even personalized them.
As Samsung continues to expand its app partnerships, Galaxy users may see more promotional services included on future devices. The three-month Amazon Music Unlimited trial adds some value, but it also raises a familiar question: should premium smartphones come with more choice and fewer pre-loaded apps?
