A notable shift in Samsung's software approach is underway, as users of Galaxy devices equipped with One UI 9 are now empowered to completely remove the Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard application. This development addresses a long-standing concern among many Samsung owners who previously found themselves unable to eliminate this pre-installed software, marking a significant departure from the company's prior bundling practices with Microsoft. The change not only grants users enhanced autonomy over their device's digital landscape but also hints at a broader strategic reevaluation of pre-installed applications on Samsung's mobile offerings.
For an extended period, Microsoft's SwiftKey held a prominent position as a favored keyboard application, often cited as a strong alternative to Gboard. Its dedicated user base, as reflected in various community discussions and polls, attested to its popularity. However, the application faced scrutiny earlier this year following Microsoft's introduction of controversial changes to its account policies. These adjustments culminated in the discontinuation of Google account login support and cloud backups, a decision that caused considerable dissatisfaction among its loyal users. Despite these changes, millions of Samsung Galaxy owners encountered an additional layer of frustration: the inability to uninstall SwiftKey, regardless of their preference for other keyboard solutions like Samsung's native option or Gboard. Under the previous One UI 8.5, users were limited to merely disabling the app or removing its updates, with the core application persistently occupying valuable system storage.
This persistent limitation has now been resolved. Reports, initially from SamMobile and corroborated by users on Reddit, indicate that Samsung is enabling the complete uninstallation of Microsoft SwiftKey on devices operating on One UI 9.0. Users of the Galaxy S26, running the latest One UI 9.0 Beta 5, have verified their ability to delete SwiftKey by simply tapping the 'Uninstall' option, thereby reclaiming approximately 55MB of internal storage. This functionality represents a welcome relief for those seeking to declutter their app drawer and optimize device performance.
The ability to remove SwiftKey aligns with a broader strategic adjustment within Samsung's software ecosystem. Newer models, including the advanced Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the more accessible Galaxy A57, are already being released without SwiftKey pre-installed, suggesting that Samsung's long-term agreement for bundling applications with Microsoft is gradually concluding. This move follows previous instances of Samsung phasing out native integrations, such as the discontinuation of OneDrive backup support within the stock Gallery app. Consequently, the systematic removal of mandatory Microsoft applications across One UI devices appears to be a logical progression in Samsung's efforts to streamline its software experience and provide users with greater flexibility.
Ultimately, whether the motivation is to reduce application clutter or to assert more comprehensive control over a phone's storage capacity, the introduction of this feature in One UI 9.0 delivers a much-appreciated enhancement. It signifies a user-centric approach from Samsung, allowing individuals to customize their device experience more thoroughly and efficiently manage their digital resources, fostering a more personalized and optimized usage environment.
