On non-rooted Android 17, ADB uninstall of system apps fails
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
Android 17 blocks ADB uninstall for system apps, pushing apps to disable by default instead.
A feature request for the Universal Android Debloater (next-generation) proposes making "Disable" mode the default instead of "Uninstall." On Android 17, the ADB uninstall command always fails for system apps due to a restriction in PackageManagerShellCommand. Disabling is safer, allows re-enabling via Settings, and may prevent background activity. However, it risks reducing privacy by not hiding apps and may not save storage. The change seeks to avoid problems caused by the broken uninstall on Android 17.
What commenters are saying
Commenters see this as another step in the war on general-purpose computing and user device ownership. Two camps emerge: those decrying Google's "boiling the frog" approach to lock down Android like iOS, and those arguing the EU could fork Android to regain digital sovereignty. A specific PSA notes that ADB restrictions and locked bootloaders make alternatives like GrapheneOS or Fairphone increasingly necessary. Several lament that no EU-made product fills the gap despite talent and ASML's presence.