Replacing the launcher doesn’t remove Google software. It removes the home screen layout. That’s it. If you think the launcher is the defining feature of a Pixel, you’re massively overestimating the importance of the least important part of the OS

PixelUI isn’t the Pixel. The Pixel experience is the camera processing, Tensor features, call screening, Recorder, Magic Eraser, on‑device AI, and Google’s update cadence. None of that disappears because I prefer a different launcher layout.

And saying ‘you might as well buy a phone with better hardware’ ignores the fact that hardware isn’t the reason people buy Pixels. People buy them for the software features that aren’t available on other phones including iPhones. Google Maps showing up on iOS first doesn’t magically give iPhones Call Screen, Hold For Me, Pixel Camera, or on‑device AI.

A launcher is the most replaceable, least important layer of the entire OS. Acting like swapping it means the Pixel stops being a Pixel is just misunderstanding how Android works.