Samsung Is Ditching Samsung Messages For Google Messages

Samsung is making a big change to their smartphones by ditching their own Samsung Messages app in favor of Google Messages. Google Messages will be the default messaging app starting with the new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6.

If you think about it, this move is an advantage for Samsung, as Google Message fully supports Rich Communication Services (RCS), offering a richer messaging experience with features like high-quality media sharing, read receipts, and typing indicators, a step up from the traditional SMS and MMS that Samsung Messages offered.

Google Messages enables default encryption for RCS conversations

For a long time, Google has been pushing Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, a new texting standard meant to replace SMS and MMS for Android users. Basically, the idea is to compete with Apple’s iMessage and its distinctive blue bubbles – yet it has encountered a gradual and sometimes arduous process.

TechloyEmmanuel Oyedeji

Samsung started this transition back in 2022 with the Galaxy S22 series, where Google Messages became the default SMS/RCS app. Now, it's official with the latest foldable devices. The new phones come with Google Messages pre-installed and RCS enabled by default.

This move is currently limited to the US, but it’s expected to roll out to other regions gradually. Interestingly, Samsung Messages will still be available in places like Europe and Canada, at least for now.

For those concerned about losing Samsung Messages, don’t worry, you can still download it from the Galaxy Store if you prefer.