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Samsung One UI 9: Full SwiftKey Uninstallation and Shifting Microsoft Integration
Samsung is introducing a notable change in its One UI software for Galaxy smartphones, granting users more control over pre-installed applications. With the upcoming One UI 9 update, owners of Galaxy devices will finally be able to completely uninstall the Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard, a feature previously unavailable.
Enhanced User Control: SwiftKey Can Now Be Fully Uninstalled in One UI 9
Previously, users running One UI 8.5 could only disable SwiftKey or remove its updates, leaving the core application files on their device. However, as observed by SamMobile on a Galaxy S26 Ultra running One UI 9.0 Beta 5, the option for a full uninstallation is now available. This change not only gives users greater autonomy but also offers practical benefits, with the removal freeing up approximately 55 MB of storage on the tested device.
A Broader Trend: Samsung Reduces Reliance on Pre-installed Microsoft Services
The ability to fully remove SwiftKey appears to be part of a larger strategic shift by Samsung. Beyond offering manual uninstallation, the tech giant is reportedly scaling back on pre-installing SwiftKey on new devices. SamMobile reports that the keyboard is not included by default on recent flagship models like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, nor is it pre-installed on some newer devices in the Galaxy A series. This suggests that SwiftKey may gradually cease to be a standard component of Samsung’s phone software.
For more insights into Samsung’s software advancements, explore our articles on Samsung One UI 9 NameDrop Feature (Android 17) and What is New in One UI 9: Multi-Window, AI, Cross-Device.
Diminishing Microsoft Partnership: A Look at Historical Integration and Recent Changes
For many years, Samsung and Microsoft maintained a close partnership, resulting in various Microsoft applications such as OneDrive, OneNote, Office suite apps, and SwiftKey being pre-installed on Galaxy devices. Some of these services were deeply integrated with Samsung’s native applications.
However, the scope of this collaboration has recently begun to narrow. Samsung is notably phasing out the integration of OneDrive with its Gallery app, a feature that allowed seamless cloud synchronization of photos and videos. The complete removal of SwiftKey could be another indication that Samsung is reducing the number of Microsoft applications pre-installed on its Galaxy devices.
While these changes suggest a potential re-evaluation of the partnership, Samsung has not yet officially commented on whether these adjustments stem from a conclusion or modification of their agreement with Microsoft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
With One UI 9, users will now have the ability to completely uninstall the Microsoft SwiftKey keyboard from their Samsung Galaxy devices. Previously, only disabling the app or removing its updates was possible.
According to observations on a Galaxy S26 Ultra running One UI 9.0 Beta 5, uninstalling SwiftKey freed up approximately 55 MB of storage space on the device.
Yes, the ability to fully uninstall SwiftKey, combined with reports of Samsung not pre-installing it on newer devices and phasing out other Microsoft integrations like OneDrive with the Gallery app, suggests a broader shift by Samsung to offer users more control and potentially reduce its reliance on third-party pre-installed software.
Source: SamMobile. Opening photo: Aldrin Rachman / Pradana Shutterstock
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