Key Takeaways
- Google Messages has replaced Samsung Messages due to the advantages of RCS technology.
- Samsung Messages still comes pre-installed in most regions, but its popularity is waning.
- Samsung users may prefer Google Messages for its cross-brand connectivity and latest features.
Samsung recently removed Samsung Messages from its pre-installed apps, and the new Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are the first Galaxy smartphones to ship without the app. But why was it removed, and is the app still available as a Galaxy smartphone app?
Today, I want to explain the demise of Samsung Messages and what caused it in the first place. I also want to look into the future of the app, whether it will make a comeback or if it will fade away like so many outdated apps that were once great.
What is Samsung Messages?
Most Galaxy buyers have used it at some point.
Samsung / Pocket-lint
Samsung Messages was once the default messaging app on all Galaxy smartphones. It was incorporated into the One UI interface to provide a smooth and intuitive messaging platform for sending SMS and MMS messages before the introduction of Google Messages. While both messaging apps work well and have similar features, some users prefer the clean design and simplicity of Samsung Messages over its more advanced competitors.
When did Google Messages replace Samsung Messages on Galaxy smartphones?
Acquisition in stages over several years
The answer is not so simple. The first sign of change came in 2021 when Google Messages became a native app on the Samsung Galaxy S21, while Samsung Messages remained the default option. Things changed in 2022 when Google Messages became the default app on the Galaxy S22, replacing Samsung Messages for the first time. This marked a big turning point for the company, but it wasn’t a big deal for users who could easily switch to the old messaging platform that was installed as a One UI app.
Things have changed in 2022, with Google Messages becoming the default app on the Galaxy S22, replacing Samsung Messages for the first time.
All subsequent Samsung Galaxy smartphones, including the S23, S24, and various foldable and clamshell models, also adopted Google Messenger as the default app, with Samsung Messages as an alternative option built into the smartphone. Fast forward to 2024, and Google Messenger is now the official messaging app on the latest Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 smartphones, with Samsung Messages now an optional download from the Samsung Store. However, this change is US-only, as Galaxy smartphones in other regions continue to ship with Samsung Messages pre-installed.
Why did Google Messages become the default app on Samsung Galaxy phones?
New technologies can’t be kept away from the masses
Google Messages has been getting attention due to the implementation of RCS technology. For those who don’t know, RCS (Rich Communications Services) protocol allows users to send videos, GIFs, images, and other multimedia messages over the internet, such as WhatsApp and Signal, instead of over carrier networks. This makes it easier to send and receive files and also provides benefits such as end-to-end encryption, typing indicators, group chats, read notifications, etc., improving the overall messaging experience.
The rollout of RCS by carriers was slow, so Google took the lead and implemented RCS on all Android smartphones through Google Messages.
For RCS to work, both the sending and receiving phone and the carrier must support the protocol. Despite being an open standard technology, carriers were slow to roll out RCS, so Google took the lead and implemented RCS on all Android phones through Google Messages. The benefits are clear: standardizing on a single messaging service across all Android phones allows users to communicate efficiently while maintaining the highest levels of performance and security.
Samsung has also implemented RCS into its messaging platform, but has seen mixed results due to inconsistent carrier support. Another drawback is that Samsung Messages is native to Galaxy smartphones and doesn’t offer cross-platform RCS support with Google Pixel, OnePlus, or other Android brands.
Google wants to provide efficient cross-platform communication across all Android devices, and is encouraging OEMs and carriers to support Google Messenger as a solution. This strategy has paid off, with RCS chats via Google Messenger now available on all new Android phones. Apple also implemented RCS on iPhones this year through their iOS 18 update, paving the way for true cross-device chat in the future.
The future of Samsung Messages
Will it be resurrected or scrapped?
Samsung appears to have admitted defeat by adopting Google Messenger as the primary default app on its devices, but it probably had no other choice: It could either cripple the Galaxy experience by denying users modern messaging features, or give them Google’s best chat option that works across brands and carriers.
As mentioned above, Samsung Messages is still a pre-installed app in many regions, with the US being the only place it is no longer bundled as a standard app on the latest Galaxy devices. Its widespread use on Samsung devices means it should be supported for the time being. Still, there’s no denying that its popularity is declining among tech-savvy people looking for the latest features.
Samsung Messages still comes pre-installed on Galaxy smartphones outside the US.
Future buyers will likely stick with the default Google Messages rather than downloading Samsung Messages unless they need a specific feature. Resisting the Google ecosystem is futile and not worth fighting a losing battle, so you can’t blame Samsung for giving in.
Samsung Messages may be on its way out, but before it’s gone, it’ll be going on a lengthy farewell tour of existing Galaxy smartphones around the world.
Is it still worth using Samsung Messages on your Galaxy smartphone?
Each user has their own pros and cons
That’s up to you. Samsung Messages is still a great messaging platform used by countless people around the world. It’s stable and easy to use, and people who use WhatsApp or other third-party apps for RCS chats might not mind the lack of cutting-edge features as they’re happy with the alternatives.
RCS, on the other hand, is the future. It’s already in place on most devices, and its inclusion on the new iPhone is a game changer for the industry. Android users would be wise to upgrade to Google Messages now, if they haven’t already, to get true cross-platform connectivity with the latest features and highest security.
