Samsung Messages now not preinstalled on Galaxy telephones

Samsung just lately removed Samsung Messages as a preinstalled app, with the brand new Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 being the primary Galaxy telephones to ship with out it. However why did they take away it? And is it even nonetheless a viable Galaxy phone app?

Right now, I will stroll you thru Samsung Messages‘ demise and what even induced it within the first place. I am going to additionally level forward to its future to see if it could possibly make a comeback or disappear like many once-great out of date apps.

What’s Samsung Messages?

Most Galaxy patrons used it sooner or later

Samsung Messages was as soon as the default messaging app on all Galaxy telephones. It was baked into the One UI interface to offer a clean and intuitive messaging platform for sending SMS and MMS messages earlier than the introduction of Google Messages. Both messaging apps work effectively and have related options, though some customers choose the clutter-free design and ease of Samsung Messages over its extra superior competitor.

When did Google Messages substitute Samsung Messages on Galaxy telephones?

A gradual takeover spanning years

The reply is not so easy. The primary indicators of change occurred in 2021 when Google Messages turned a local app for the Samsung Galaxy S21, though Samsung Messages was nonetheless the default choice. Issues modified in 2022 when Google Messages turned the default app on Galaxy S22, changing Samsung Messages for the primary time. It marked a shift for the corporate, but it surely wasn’t a giant deal for customers who may simply switch to their outdated messaging platform, which was nonetheless put in as a One UI app.

All subsequent Samsung Galaxy telephones, together with the S23, S24, and numerous flip and fold fashions, adopted swimsuit with Google Messages because the default app and Samsung Messages as the choice choice constructed into the telephone. Quick-forward to 2024, and Google Messenger is the official messaging app on the newest Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 telephones, whereas Samsung Messages is now an optionally available obtain from the Samsung retailer. Nevertheless, this transformation is simply within the US, and Galaxy telephones in different territories nonetheless ship with Samsung Messages preinstalled.

Why did Google Messages change into the default app on Samsung Galaxy telephones?

You’ll be able to’t maintain again new know-how from the plenty

Google messages are taking heart stage due to the implementation of its RCS know-how. For many who do not know, the RCS (Wealthy Communications Providers) protocol permits customers to ship movies, GIFs, photos, and different multimedia messages over the web, like WhatsApp and Sign, as a substitute of via the provider community. It makes it simpler to ship and obtain recordsdata and affords different advantages like end-to-end encryption, typing indicators, group chats, and browse receipts to enhance the general messaging expertise.

For RCS to work, each the sending and receiving telephones and the carriers should help the protocol. Regardless of being an open-standard know-how, the RCS rollout from carriers was sluggish, and Google took cost by implementing it on all Android telephones by way of Google Messages. The advantages are apparent, and having a single messaging service as the usual throughout all Android telephones means individuals can talk effectively whereas sustaining the very best ranges of efficiency and safety.

Samsung additionally carried out RCS into its messaging platform however had various outcomes due to inconsistent provider help. Samsung Messages can also be deprived as a result of it is native to Galaxy telephones and would not provide cross-platform RCS help with Google Pixel, OnePlus, or different Android manufacturers.

Google needs to supply environment friendly cross-platform communication throughout all Android gadgets, so the corporate has pushed OEMs and carriers to help Google Messenger as the answer. The tactic has paid off, with all new Android telephones able to RCS chats by way of Google Messenger. Apple will even implement RCS on iPhones by way of the iOS 18 replace this yr to open the door for true cross-device chats sooner or later.

The longer term for Samsung Messages

Will it make a comeback or face the scrap heap?

Samsung appears to have admitted defeat by taking the backseat and permitting Google Messenger to change into the driving, default app on its gadgets — although, there was most likely no various. The corporate may both deny its customers the newest messaging options and undermine their Galaxy expertise or give them the most effective chat choice from Google that works throughout manufacturers and carriers.

As talked about earlier, Samsung Messages remains to be a pre-installed app in lots of territories, and it is solely within the US the place it is now not bundled as a normal app on the newest Galaxy gadgets. Its huge proliferation amongst Samsung gadgets means it ought to nonetheless be supported for the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, there is not any doubt that its reputation is waning amongst tech-savvy individuals who need the newest options.

Future patrons will most likely follow the default Google Messages reasonably than obtain Samsung Messages until they need particular options. You’ll be able to’t blame Samsung for dropping out as a result of resisting Google’s ecosystem is futile, and it is not price combating a shedding battle.

Samsung Messages could also be on its means out, however it can have a prolonged farewell tour on present Galaxy telephones worldwide earlier than its demise.

Is it nonetheless price utilizing Samsung Messages on Galaxy telephones?

There are professionals and cons for each person

It is dependent upon you. Samsung Messages remains to be an honest messaging platform utilized by numerous individuals worldwide — it is secure and user-friendly, and other people utilizing WhatsApp and different third-party apps for RCS chats may not thoughts its lack of cutting-edge options as a result of they’re pleased with the alternate options.

Then again, RCS is the longer term. It is already proved itself on most gadgets, and its inclusion within the new iPhones is a game-changer for the trade. It is smart for Android house owners to improve to Google Messages in the event that they have not carried out so already to get true cross-platform connectivity with the latest features and finest safety.