You might have heard that the new Samsung Galaxy Note 5 comes without Google+ preinstalled. While some are using this as more "proof" that Google+ is dead (that's another discussion for another time), in reality it's just one of several Google applications that are no longer required to be included by the folks who make our phones.
The way this whole Android thing works is difficult for some to understand. Google writes and updates Android itself, but gives the source code away to anyone. As consumers, we can get our own copy from the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) repository. Google even has pretty thorough instructions to help you build it into a fully functioning version of Android.
Phone manufacturers have access to the Android source code, too. They also get it for free. Like you and I, they are allowed to modify and change any parts they like. This is how things like the Amazon FireOS happen. And it's a very good thing.
If a phone manufacturer wants to include the Google apps suite they need to conform to a few rules
But things get a little different when it comes to installing Google's proprietary apps and services.
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