Nothing finally addresses bloatware issue, lets users remove pre-installed Meta apps from their phones

Nothing

Nothing, the Carl Pei-led tech brand known for its bold design choices and strong stance on privacy, is finally listening to its users. After facing backlash for including Meta-related apps on some of its devices, the company has announced that users will soon be able to completely remove them if they wish.

Earlier, Nothing had pre-installed certain Meta services like Meta App Installer, Meta App Manager, and Meta Services on select phones. These could only be disabled, not deleted, which left many users frustrated — especially since Nothing has built its reputation around transparency and minimalism. Responding to that feedback, the company has now confirmed that users will gain full control over these apps.

In an update shared on November 3, Akis Evangelidis, Co-founder and President (India) at Nothing, said that the option to uninstall these Meta apps will roll out by the end of this month. “We understand that some users prefer full control over what stays on their device,” Evangelidis said. “Starting later this month, you’ll be able to completely remove Meta App Installer, Meta App Manager, and Meta Services from your device.”

The company added that while keeping these services active may help ensure better stability for pre-installed apps like Instagram and Facebook, it ultimately wants to give users the freedom to decide. This change aligns closely with Nothing’s philosophy of openness and user choice — principles that have helped the brand stand out in the crowded smartphone market.

However, the company isn’t backing away from pre-installs entirely. Nothing says that on some non-flagship models, it will continue to include a “carefully considered selection” of third-party apps. These will be popular services that most people download immediately after setting up a new phone, such as Instagram. Nothing also claims these integrations could enhance overall performance or offer improved features, like smoother camera sharing or tighter app experiences.

While this decision may not completely end debates over bloatware, it’s a clear step forward for a brand that prides itself on listening to its community. For users who value privacy and customization, the ability to delete Meta apps marks a small but meaningful victory — and a reminder that user feedback can indeed shape the future of tech.