You could use the AOSP launcher, or whatever your phone maker installs instead. I don't, because phone makers seem to really want to push an unremovable search bar that I don't want. And swipe left to see a totally confusing screen I also don't want.
It does not require them. It allows them, while also having alternative means of app distribution than the expensive and proprietary app store.
You see the signs of a thriving app ecosystem, not a sign of deficiency.
It doesn't "require" a launcher at all; but the people have the freedom to change theirs.
Kinda like MacOS users only have Aqua, whereas Linux has a lot of DEs, the choice of which is entirely handed to the user.
Android without a launcher would be pretty weird.
You could use the AOSP launcher, or whatever your phone maker installs instead. I don't, because phone makers seem to really want to push an unremovable search bar that I don't want. And swipe left to see a totally confusing screen I also don't want.