Verizon closes its Message Plus app in favor of Google Messages

The rollout of RCS to iPhones with the iOS 18 update is changing the messaging landscape in the United States. iPhone users can finally send RCS messages to Android users, and in return we’re seeing more consolidation between messaging apps. Initially, Samsung abandoned its Samsung Messages application in favor of Google Messages. Now even Verizon is shutting down its Message Plus app in favor of Google’s messaging app.

Users will no longer be able to use the Message Plus app to send and receive messages, and you will no longer be able to view or download the Message Plus app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Any previously scheduled Message Plus messages intended to be sent after it is completely discontinued will not be sent.

Verizon says the reason for discontinuing Message Plus is largely RCS. It recommends users switch to Google Messages, which now comes preloaded on all Verizon Android devices. And with iOS 18, iPhone users can also use the Apple Messages app to send RCS messages to Android users.

Samsung’s reasoning for ditching Samsung Messages was also RCS. Samsung claimed that even if messaging apps meet the RCS standard, availability may be limited depending on the app the other party uses. Thus, Samsung has favored Google Messages as the common messaging platform on Android.

The consolidation of Android messaging apps in favor of Google Messages appears to be an unintended side effect of the adoption of RCS on iPhones. However, given their popularity, it is unlikely that too many people will be affected. However, chances are your parents or grandparents are using one of these apps and will need to switch to Google Messages. The choice is good and we hope RCS doesn’t end up causing even further consolidation in the Android messaging app space.