Original topic:

OneUI 7 Rollout Concerns - Galaxy S23 & S24 Users

(Topic created on: 03-21-2025 01:43 PM)
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Day_Walker
Active Level 10
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Galaxy S
Hi felly Samsung Knights!

I've been loving my Galaxy S23 since August 2023 full time with a BIG smile! 

I've used smartphones for a long time, from EPOCH before it evolved to Symbian (UIQ/S60), 
PocketPC & Smartphone Edition, 
BlackBerry OS & BB10 / QNX, DangerOS on SideKick II, Sidekick Colour [the ghetto BlackBerry for those who know], and I've dabbled a few times on AndroidOS starting 6-7mth on the Nexus 4 [LG] Samsung Galaxy S9, Sony Xperia 5 & 5 Compact.

Of all these OS' I've been a BIG supporters in the END USERs choices and preference where ever allowed by 1st party & 3rd party apps or the OS. 

IF an End User enables or dosables a setting, in absolutely NO WAY should an OS updates or securityy update RE-enable said setting or even an app without 

A) explicit explanation WHY!
B) explicitly notifying the user before doing so eith the option to respect the users wishes to keep disabled. 

Last year when Google listed Gemini debut as an app on the PlayStation Store initially I downloaded it to try it. During the setup I seen the many things it could NOT do ans isolated only on 1st party apps. 

One thing in less than 2 days - after very careful setup, Gemini enabled by download the Google Contacts app. I've NEVER used this app nor ever want to use it. It also enabled sync to Googles servers something I'd never want nor chose to. All this was without explicitly or even covertly telling me. And also without my permission. 

Since then I have Google Contacts disabled yet I cannot uninstall it from my S23 even though Gemini was promptly deleted for this and many other reasons due to its 1st party limitations. 

I love A.i and I use it's potential daily yet I'm concerned and would like for many of you friends of these devices sound off if you also don't use Google Contacts or other Google apps to create or reply to this thread after OneUI 7 update is pushed out. 

Personally I may even create a YouTube channel for such things as well as document before and after via screen recording and checking permissions. Then provide Samsung Feedback
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RedDogRabbit
Expert Level 5
Galaxy S

I'll only address the Gemini & Google Contacts issue here. 

I also installed Gemini on my S23 Ultra, however Google Contacts was absolutely not installed on my S23 Ultra. 

Google Contacts isn't a system app, and it is not tied to Gemini, so I don't know why you can't Uninstall Google Contacts.. You could try going to Settings > Apps TOGGLE ON Show System Apps & search Google Contacts.. check it's permissions & see what it says there? 

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Day_Walker
Active Level 10
Galaxy S
This was the very first rollout of google gemini for update two possibly, and november 2024.

Even though google context is not a system app, just remember who builds the entire system and the services that we use galaxy devices, Google. Which also includes the place, is pre-installed.

Since I uninstalled and wiped in the os back to factor settings is not there on my phone. Also, the suggestion you mentioned.I don't have that option.

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RedDogRabbit
Expert Level 5
Galaxy S

It doesn't matter if Google builds Android, and  are you saying that you don't have the option to view System Apps?

Everyone does, you need Toggle it On to view. 

Screenshot_20250321_201453_Settings.jpg

Screenshot_20250321_201519_Settings.jpg

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Day_Walker
Active Level 10
Galaxy S
Found the setting you mentioned.

This isn't there. As i mentioned, i already wiped my phone back to factory settings.

My concern is that with OneUI 7 that, OneUI has. Oth Google Gemini working with Bixby in-tandem upon installation. Gemini now has "apps" what was just last week renamed from "agents" and has some access to OneUI 7 native apps.

Originally upon initial release as an app on PlayStore did not.

It does matter that the ai and the system is created and maintained by Google. They can have Google only accessible API's that are un published and only accessible by them. They have th3 blueprint, ignoring that isn't sound.

Example Google Meet never used to be considered a system app from 2023 until late 2024, yet there it is unable to be uninstalled, just the updates to it.

Maybe it's me not fully understanding apps yet like an expert, maybe I need to uninstall the updates first before uninstall ingredients apps.

Oh, interesting since uninstalling updates now I see "Meet installer" very similar to Microsoft's "Teams Installer" on WindowsOS platform being seaparte from Teams app itself which evidently allows Microsoft to install on OS updates. Yet here still Meet will not uninstall regardless of the plethora of VC apps available to end users. 1742603168673.jpg1742603483209.jpg1742603483237.jpg1742603483260.jpg
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Helenna
Moderator
Moderator
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Galaxy S

Hi Day_Walker,

Thank you for sharing your thoughtful feedback and your experience with the Galaxy S23!

We understand how important it is for settings and app preferences to remain respected after updates. Your point about ensuring transparency and providing users with clear explanations is incredibly valid and something we strive to achieve with every software release. User autonomy is a key priority for Samsung, and feedback like yours helps us continuously improve the user experience.

If you encounter any issues or have further suggestions, we encourage you to share them directly with us through the Samsung Members app. Your input is valuable in shaping the future of One UI and ensuring it meets the needs of our users.

Thank you again for your detailed feedback, and we’re glad to hear you’ve been enjoying your Galaxy S23!