Samsung is making a notable shift in its approach to messaging apps. The tech giant has decided to drop its own messaging app, Samsung Messages, as the default messaging option on many of its new smartphones. Instead, Google Messages will now take center stage on these devices—a change currently limited to the United States.
A Shift Toward Google Messages
According to an update discovered by analyst Max Weinbach in the Samsung Members app, Samsung has chosen to make Google Messages the default messaging app for its latest Galaxy models sold in the U.S. This move is part of a broader strategy to integrate the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard more effectively. This transition began in Europe in 2021, where some Galaxy models started featuring Google Messages as the default app, even though Samsung Messages was still available. The shift continued with the Galaxy S22 series in the U.S., and now extends to the latest Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 models.
Google and Samsung have been pushing for Apple to adopt RCS to improve messaging interoperability across platforms. Under pressure from the European Union, Apple has agreed to integrate RCS starting with iOS 18. This alignment across messaging services seems like a logical step, and while Samsung’s current change only affects the U.S. market, there are possibilities that it could be rolled out to other regions in the future.
What This Means for Users
Google Messages, which supports SMS, MMS, and the RCS protocol, is now pre-installed on most new Android devices, including Samsung’s latest models. The app facilitates messaging even without a network connection, as long as there’s access to the internet (Wi-Fi). If you prefer Samsung Messages, don’t worry—it’s still available for download from the Galaxy Store. However, some features may be limited compared to when it was the default messaging app.
Samsung’s decision to discontinue pre-installing its messaging app might signal a larger trend towards standardizing messaging services. Whether this will lead to Samsung eventually phasing out Samsung Messages remains to be seen, but for now, users have the flexibility to choose their preferred app.
This move underscores Samsung’s commitment to enhancing user experience by aligning with industry standards and partnering with Google to offer a more seamless messaging experience across different devices and platforms.
