In the US, Samsung will no longer preload the Samsung Messages app on Galaxy devices

Samsung has made an announcement that will bring a significant change to its upcoming devices. The manufacturer will no longer pre-install its own Samsung Messages app on Galaxy devices in select markets. Instead, it will replace it with the Google Messages app. Samsung started this process in 2022 with the flagship Galaxy S22 series, as its own messaging app did not support Rich Communication Services (RCS) as well as Google Messages.

It’s not too late to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6!

RCS is the platform that brings some features like delivery receipts, high-quality images and videos, typing indicators, end-to-end encryption, etc. to Android users. Apple is adding RCS support to iPhone in iOS 18, which will allow both Android and iPhone users to enjoy most of these features when participating in a cross-platform chat. However, the version of RCS supported by Apple does not include end-to-end encryption.

Even though Samsung has made Google Messages the default app for SMS and RCS messaging on Galaxy devices, it still pre-installed Samsung Messages on its own products. The first phones to follow the new policy after the announcement will be the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, which are still in the pre-order phase until next Wednesday, July 24.

Samsung announces it will preload Google Messages instead of Samsung Messages on Galaxy devices. | Image credit-Max Weinbach - In the US, Samsung will no longer preload the Samsung Messages app on Galaxy devices

Samsung announces it will preload Google Messages instead of Samsung Messages on Galaxy devices. | Photo credit – Max Weinbach

Posted on the Samsung Members app and shared by Max Weinbach on “X,” Samsung’s message states that with the latest foldable models, the Samsung Messages app will no longer come preloaded on Galaxy devices. The app, as reported, will be replaced by Google Messages, and the Samsung Messages app will still be available on the Galaxy Store, though some features will be excluded.

Starting with the Flip6, Fold6 and newer models, the Samsung Messages app will no longer come preloaded. Instead, Google Messages will offer a new and improved experience to express your emotions, making communication safe and fun. You can also exchange messages with users around the world.” -Samsung

The new policy does not appear to be in effect worldwide. While U.S. variants of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 And Galaxy Z Flip 6 Google Messages is pre-installed in place of Samsung Messages, Android expert Mishaal Rahman told “X” that Google Messages is replacing Samsung Messages on U.S. carriers and unlocked Galaxy devices only. Rahman was keen to clarify that Samsung Messages is still pre-installed on the Canadian and European versions of the new foldables.

For those with older Galaxy devices or those outside the US, you can install Google Messages from the Google Play Store by tapping this link.