Samsung has announced a significant change for its Galaxy smartphones in the United States, opting to replace its Samsung Messages app with Google Messages as the default messaging platform. This shift, which began with the Galaxy S22 series in 2022, aligns with Google’s push for Rich Communication Services (RCS), offering better integration and features for users.
Samsung Messages has been a standard app on Galaxy devices for many years, but Samsung’s recent move indicates a strategic pivot towards enhancing user experience with more robust RCS features. Although Samsung Messages supports RCS, Google Messages is preferred due to its superior integration and additional features for this messaging standard.
Starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung will no longer pre-install its Messages app on devices sold in the U.S. Instead, Google Messages will be the primary messaging app, providing users with a new and improved platform for communication. A notice to users in the Samsung Members app confirmed this change, stating that the new setup will make communication safer and more enjoyable.
The global impact of this change is still uncertain, as Samsung has not confirmed whether this strategy will extend beyond the U.S. For now, Samsung Messages will still be available for download via the Galaxy Store, although some features may be limited compared to its pre-installed version.
Samsung’s new foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, Galaxy Ring, and Galaxy Watch Ultra, along with Galaxy Watch 7, will begin shipping from July 24, 2024.
This transition marks a significant moment in Samsung’s software strategy, potentially paving the way for a more unified messaging experience across Android devices. As the global smartphone market continues to evolve, Samsung’s adoption of Google Messages could set a precedent for other manufacturers to follow.
