Since Twitter and Reddit killed 3rd party apps, how long until Google kills 3rd party launchers?
They're locking down their ecosystem, have lost faith in a portion of their userbase, and they can't put advertisements on a launcher they can't control.
In what way would Google profit from restricting 3rd party launchers? I can see why Twitter and Reddit want to charge access for 3rd party apps. Profit. Lots of profit. I don't see where Google would have anything to gain from restricting a very significant customization option in Android.
The google launcher used to have that unremovable google search bar smack at the top of the screen, at least on my old Android 7 phone. Google got lots of search ad revenue from having that thing on a billion screens. I'm pleased but a bit surprised and puzzled that it is gone from my new Android 13 phone. I don't know if Pixel phones have it these days.