Do phones even have carrier bloatware anymore?

[Aeme106]

Just got a S23 earlier this month that was purchased from O2 but after switching to a different SIM it picked up their network and worked without issue. I believe my phone came with My O2 and O2 priority but those were easily uninstalled. In comparison my S9 Plus I bought via Vodafone around 5 years ago had to be unlocked and it still has Vodafone apps which have been disabled but can't be removed.

Seems like it's completely changed now where this phone didn't have to be unlocked and I could remove any carrier apps without issue! 

[Aeme106]

Also I can't recall if I even installed the O2 apps myself or if it actually came on the device but it isn't ingrained on my phone either way 

[Enlli]

Contract phones have come unlocked for a good few years now. Also they come with standard manufacturer's firmware.

[MI5]

@Aeme106 

O2 have not locked their phones since 2018 and not installed bloatware since before that.

About the only network that doesn't now on Android phones although EE and Voda automatically unlock their phones at end of the contract.