Latest Health Connect app update removes the icon from Samsung launcher

As per a report by 9To5Google, the latest Health Connect app update version 0.1.937.470007551.1 removes the Health Connect icon from the Samsung and Pixel app launchers. This leaves behind only two ways to open the app, one from the Play Store itself, and the other is to open from the App Info page. Well, before you jump to conclusions that it is a mistake by Google, the Health Connect update changelog clearly mentions that it was an intentional change.

Google wants Health Connect to be a back-end service that will be a part of Android

Here is what the changelog reads, “Home screen icon removed. You can open Health Connect from Settings > Apps > Health Connect, or from your Quick Settings menu.” Now, there is also a Quick Settings toggle available that allows you to open the Health Connect app on your Samsung or Pixel phone. It isn't the easiest way to open the app, but it is there because Google wants its users to access it that way. Moreover, the idea behind removing the app icon is that Google wants it to be a back-end service that is a part of Android.

This is similar to how the Pixel Buds app is only accessible through the Bluetooth menu on Pixel devices, while on other devices, it is available as an app icon or shortcut. The Health Connect app, which is all set to debut in fall 2022, will be available to “everyone from Google Play as a partner integrations launch.” This partner integration includes Fitbit, Google Fit, Samsung Health, and other early access partners including Withings and MyFitnessPal.