bloatware

Noun

bloatware (uncountable)

1. (informal) Software that is packed with too many features and therefore slow or unwieldy; software that is inefficiently designed and occupies an excessive amount of memory or disk space.
   • Today’s software development cycle does not allow time to optimize and refine products, and that leads to bloatware.1996 February 12, Ed Foster, “Passing the bloatware buck: Programmers finger deadlines, driven bosses”, in InfoWorld, page 58
   • That’s not really a surprise, considering that writing efficient software takes more time than writing wasteful code. “Bloatware” makes economic sense for software developers, if not for consumers!2001, Glenn E. Weadock, Upgrading Your Home PC, →ISBN, page 16

   Synonyms:

   fatware

2. Unwanted pre-installed software, especially on a smartphone.
   • If consumers didn't like the bloatware that came with their phones, other manufacturers wouldn't include it, the bad actors would lose customers, and everyone would have to adjust.2010 October 29, Nick Saint, “Opinion: Google Android is only 'open' if you're the phone company”, in CNN, archived from the original on 12 Aug 2019
   • The problem is especially bad with Android and Windows phones sold through third-party carriers, which like to preinstall all sorts of bloatware.2013 December 24, Heather Kelly, “Tips for getting started with your new mobile gadget”, in CNN Business, archived from the original on 07 Jul 2016

   Synonyms:

   crapware, foistware