Samsung limits use of free themes with Android Pie to 2 weeks

With Android Pie, Samsung returns free themes that users install via the Theme Store to the default TouchWiz theme after two weeks. The manufacturer will warn users with notifications when the period ends.

The policy change is evidenced by a pop-up that Samsung displays when opening the Theme store. PhoneArena was the first to find the message. In the announcement, Samsung reports that the new policy will take effect with the launch of Android P 9.0. Free themes can then only be used for two weeks. After that, Samsung removes it and the company automatically restores the default theme.

Before Samsung converts the theme, the user will get two notifications: the first one a day before the restore, the second ten minutes before the free theme disappears and the TouchWiz theme returns. With those notifications, the company makes suggestions for themes that the user could install.

The company’s reason is that the policy change should “help our designers make high-quality products and provide stable and satisfactory services.” It seems that Samsung wants to encourage users to try out more themes and encourage the use of paid themes.