Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
Galaxy S21 could finally ditch the Bixby homescreen in favor of Google
- A Galaxy S21 leak hints Samsung may let you drop the Bixby home screen in favor of Google Discover.
- This could give you a better source of news and info if you’re not a fan of Bixby.
- The feature may be built into One UI 3.1 for all phones that use it.
If you aren’t a fan of Bixby, you’ll be glad to hear that Samsung might soon offer another way to replace it. Android Police sources claim the Galaxy S21 will let you drop Samsung Daily (or Samsung Free in some locations) on your home screens in favor of the Google Discover feed.
The leak comes soon after Twitter user VK noticed Google Discover on the home screen in a recent Galaxy S21 video leak in place of Samsung’s in-house options.
If the report is accurate, this Bixby alternative would be available on any phone running One UI 3.1, not just the Galaxy S21. You may only have to buy one of the new devices to get the feature first.
See also: The 5 best Bixby remapper apps for Samsung devices
It wouldn’t be shocking if Samsung provided the option. The company has gradually reduced Bixby’s presence over the years, such as removing the dedicated button in phones like the Galaxy Note 10 family — the home screen change would just be the latest move. Samsung and Google have also warmed up to each other after years of friction over Samsung’s proprietary software. Rumors have even hinted at discussions between Samsung and Google that would promote Assistant and the Play Store above Bixby and the Galaxy Store.
You might not have to wait long to find out whether or not Samsung provides this Bixby-free option on the Galaxy S21. If leaks and our own sleuthing are correct, Samsung will unveil the new flagship on January 14 and release it as early as January 29.