I changed Google’s core apps with open supply options, and I am by no means going again

My favourite a part of utilizing a Google Pixel telephone is the superb UI. Google forgoes OneUI’s characteristic bloat in favor of an easy-to-understand launcher with a definite design language.

All of Google’s apps share the identical design, so should you keep on with them, you get an Android expertise that is unparalleled.

It is why I’ve caught with Pixel telephones and apps, regardless of Google’s more and more heavy-handed strategy to integrating Gemini into its apps.

I recurrently check out various apps, however none have held as much as Google’s suite. That was the case for years, till I attempted out the Fossify suite of apps.

Whereas they are not all winners, I’ve lastly discovered a set of core apps for my telephone that give me the Google expertise with out the bloat.

Fossify gives a bloat-free suite of Materials You-inspired apps

Easy and helpful

Fossify launched its suite of apps in early 2024. As of January 2026, its suite consists of seven totally launched apps and eight apps in open beta testing.

These apps are designed to meet all of the core apps, that’s , those that come preinstalled in your telephone.

These apps are forks of Easy Apps’ library, which supplied simple and open supply apps at the price of a clunky UI and restricted options.

Fossify’s apps preserve this legacy, however with a vastly improved UI and higher options. They’re clearly impressed by Materials You, however whereas Google has burdened its apps with pointless options, Fossify retains its apps trim.

Left: Fossify Clock, Proper: Google Clock

Fossify Clock is the very best instance of why I like these apps.

In comparison with Google’s Clock app, there isn’t any climate app integration, no bedtime mode, and no screensaver. In return, you get the flexibility to test the time and set alarms, stopwatches, and timers with none characteristic bloat getting in your means.

It is a deeply refreshing expertise and effectively well worth the trade for dropping entry to options I did not use anyway.

All Fossify’s apps observe the identical language, however their advantages are greater than a clear UI

Easy privateness and security measures

As you would possibly anticipate from a set of apps constructed on Easy Apps’ code, Fossify’s apps don’t have any advertisements, no monitoring, and are open supply. Additionally they don’t require an web connection to work.

Whereas Fossify does not explicitly state this, you may change to its apps with none worry of an AI chatbot dwelling in plain sight and taking over area.

Fossify’s apps are additionally safer. You may safe apps that retailer delicate information (for instance, Messages and Gallery) behind a PIN, sample, or biometric lock. You may cover particular folders from view, and even lock images behind particular person PIN codes.

It isn’t fairly as glossy as Google Photographs’ Locked Folder, but it surely’s simply as efficient.

Fossify’s apps aren’t good, however you needn’t use all of them

You’ll have to sacrifice some options should you change from Google to Fossify

I’ve changed each Google app I might with a Fossify app with combined outcomes.

Whereas Fossify Clock, Calculator, Keyboard, Calendar, and Contacts have solely changed their Google options, others are lacking out on essential options.

For instance, whereas I would like to change to Fossify Gallery, the dearth of a devoted backup and poor search performance imply I will be sticking with Google Photographs.

Others, just like the Fossify Launcher and Voice Recorder, are straight up inferior to Google’s apps.

I’ve change into closely reliant on Google Recorder’s improbable transcription characteristic because it launched, and Fossify Recorder gives solely a bare-bones recorder that saves recordings as M4A information.

Left: Fossify Calculator, Proper: Google Calculator

Fossify’s suite additionally lacks key apps, resembling an electronic mail consumer, a climate tracker, and a mapping software. Nevertheless, these are considerably extra advanced and will not be at present in growth.

Proton gives safe electronic mail, password supervisor, and cloud storage apps, however they do not present the identical stunning simplicity of Fossify’s suite.

Fossify can also be engaged on a launcher, however whereas it appeared like a viable various to the Pixel Launcher (no At a Look bar, hooray!), I discovered it to be frustratingly buggy to make use of. I am going to wait till it is full launch to strive it once more.

Fossify’s apps are the proper substitute for individuals who love Google’s apps

Utilizing Fossify’s suite of apps opened my eyes to how a lot bloat Google was stuffing into its apps. I am not simply speaking about Gemini, I am speaking about all of the pointless information Google throws my means.

I do not want my clock app to inform me the date, I do not want my climate app to inform me the air strain, and I do not want an irrelevant line of widgets on my keyboard.

I’ve labored with Google apps for over a decade, and I’ve come to understand their wonderful design. Nevertheless it’s been years since Google made any notable enhancements, and newcomers like Fossify are worthy successors.

Whereas options like syncing, on-line backups, and on-line storage can be appreciated, I respect the offline-only intent behind Fossify’s apps.

So, should you’re eager to exchange Google’s apps, I like to recommend attempting out all the Fossify suite first.