If I remember correctly didn't Apple state some time around WWDC, possibly before it that iBooks & Podcasts was getting integrated into iOS 8. At least be thankful that they've not integrated iTunes U into iOS aa that takes up about 65 meg of space even when empty.
Just be thankful Carriers don't get a say in iOS otherwise it'd be full of Carrier apps that would hardly leave any space for user apps, music & pictures, as well as the fact that carriers wouldn't release iOS versions for older supported devises & minor updates would take months to be released. I'd rather take a few apps that hardly get used & timely updates over carrier Bloatware, slow updates & being forced to upgrade my phone for to get the next iOS release.
Roland