Samsung is discontinuing its messaging app in the United States and will instead include Google Messages as a pre-installed option. The company made the announcement in a notice sent through the Samsung Members app.
The notice states that “Samsung Messages will no longer be preloaded” on the Galaxy Z Flip6, Z Fold6 and “newer models.” Google Messages is the new option because it provides an “enhanced experience” by allowing users to express themselves securely, according to the notice.
Judging by the wording, the company appears to be talking about RCS, or Rich Communication Services. Google created this messaging protocol to greatly improve text messaging between Android phones.
RCS can send a variety of file types in addition to plain text messages, supports high-resolution images and videos, and protects your data with end-to-end encryption. Samsung Messages supports the protocol, but not in the same capacity as the more widely available Google Messages.
Samsung Messages “is still available for download from the Galaxy Store,” but some of its features “will be removed.” It’s not clear which ones, as neither the notice nor the app listing explains what has been removed.
Information is missing
There is a lot of important information missing. For starters, is the adoption of Google Messages a global update?
Initial reports indicate that the change is only happening in the United States, with industry insider Mishaal Rahman taking to X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) and writing that “Canadian and European versions for the Galaxy Z Flip6 and Fold6” still have the first-party app pre-installed. “Only the unlocked US versions will have the first-party app pre-installed.” [and] “Carrier units” are seeing the update.
Also, it is not known if the change will happen elsewhere. The notice mentions something about newer models, but we do not know if the tech giant is referring to the upcoming Galaxy S25 or the S24 series. There is a high chance that these changes will be implemented on older devices. In 2022, on the Galaxy S22, the company decided to make Google Messages the default RCS app, keeping its own software as a secondary option for users.
In 2024, the two giants will join forces in a wide-ranging alliance that will touch on multiple areas, from smartphones to artificial intelligence. Getting rid of a (possibly minor) messaging app to support its current model could be Samsung’s current mindset.
We've reached out to Samsung to ask if other models will be affected and if there are plans to roll out these changes globally. We'll update this story if we hear back.
Be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best Samsung phones for 2024.
