probably, deals like this keep popping up which is a bargain in the UK so I would expect it to be lower soon.

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https://preview.redd.it/qp36jb1f1q0c1.png?width=387&format=png&auto=webp&s=26cfce24c169336a2381456fbd9c6eb99fb2c548

https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/deal/?id=98a7fb59c98c878816a9a22c6fdcb42eacdda93e&splashpage=true&position=2&list=samsung-galaxy-s23&list_loaded_id=d4419727-1a83-4c06-bb31-0decc39cebb3&page=samsung-galaxy-s23

If you’re in the UK you can get a deal on S23 for £23 a month for 24 months with a sim which is cheaper than buying it outright.

Take it to EE and ask them to remove it.

Thats what I would do.

The apps are just for your accounts and stuff you could always remove them :)

Phones aren’t allowed to be locked and tied into networks in the UK its illegal.

I’m sure you would be able to sideload it anyway?

is this a US thing carriers releasing updates sounds ridiculous never heard of it before.