Samsung has announced a new partnership with Amazon Music that will see the music streaming app pre-installed on select Galaxy phones and tablets. This means users who buy certain Samsung devices will find Amazon Music already on their device, whether they want it or not.
Samsung and Amazon Music Partnership Details
According to Android Authority, Samsung is pre-installing the Amazon Music app on select Samsung smartphones and tablets as part of this new deal. The app will also be made available through the Galaxy Store, giving users another way to download it.
To sweeten the deal, new subscribers who sign up through the pre-installed app will receive a three-month free trial to Amazon Music Unlimited. This is a standard promotional tactic used by companies to attract new users to their services.
What This Means for Galaxy Users
For people who already use Amazon Music, this pre-installation might be convenient — they won't have to download the app themselves. However, for those who do not use Amazon Music, the app will take up storage space on their device. This is what many users refer to as "bloatware" — apps that come pre-installed on a phone that the user may not want or need.
Samsung has faced criticism in the past for including pre-installed apps on its devices. While some of these apps can be disabled or uninstalled, others cannot be removed without special tools. It remains to be seen whether the Amazon Music app will be removable or simply disableable.
Our Take: A Predictable but Frustrating Move
In our view, this partnership is a clear business move. Samsung gets a cut of the revenue from Amazon Music subscriptions, and Amazon gets its app in front of millions of potential customers. But for users, it is another example of companies deciding what apps should be on your phone.
While a three-month free trial sounds generous, it is important to remember that not everyone wants or needs Amazon Music. Forcing the app onto devices — especially budget models where storage is limited — feels like a step backward. We hope Samsung at least allows users to easily uninstall the app if they choose not to use it.
