DuckDuckGo has a bone to pick with Samsung over Google Search in One UI 9
The search bar looks permanent, but there's more to this Android story.
DuckDuckGo has taken Samsung to task for integrating Google Search into Samsung's One UI 9 home screen, even for users who favor alternative search engines. This move is part of Android 17's updated search functionality, which also appears on Samsung devices featuring Motorola's home screen search bar. Although users can remove the search bar from the home screen settings, many are unaware of this option.
Despite Google offering multiple avenues for searching, DuckDuckGo expresses disappointment at seeing its competitor claim more ground on Android devices. The issue is particularly evident in Samsung's One UI 9, where Google Search now dominates the screen, even on phones owned by DuckDuckGo users. The privacy-oriented search engine shared its concerns on X, accusing Google of embedding its search bar into Samsung's home screen.
This search bar, unlike a typical widget, cannot be moved or removed by long-pressing, giving the impression that Google has permanently secured a spot on users' phones, regardless of their preferred search engine.
Written by urgent.news from Android Authority's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
