Samsung Galaxy smartphones come preinstalled with many apps, many of which are developed in-house by Samsung. Examples include apps like Good Lock, Internet Browser, and Messages. However, with Fold6 and Flip6, Samsung Galaxy phones will no longer come pre-installed with the Samsung Messages app. It has been replaced by Google Messages with RCS support.
Max Weinbach, an analyst, shared an email on his Twitter account. It appears the email was sent to Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 owners intimating them of the change. Here is an excerpt from the same:
“Starting with the Flip6, Fold6 and newer models, the Samsung Messages app will no longer be preloaded. Instead, Google Messages will provide a new and enhanced experience to express your emotions, making communication safe and fun.”
However, it is to be noted that the change has been implemented for the USA market for now. Flip6 and Fold6 owners in European countries and Canada still get the Samsung Messages app pre-installed. But it will be removed in the future with another update.
Many people saw this one coming though. The writing has been on the wall since the day Samsung decided to ship the Google Messages app as the default messaging app on their devices. Samsung’s Messages app was also provided as an option though.
Pro Tip: Did you know you can use Writing Assist, another Galaxy AI feature, to automatically write and proofread messages before sending them? Read more now.
Usually, that’s how things are done. Gradually. Removing any app directly without helping users transition and get used to another app can lead to a backlash. Samsung’s approach of offering Google Messages as an option before making it the default app allowed users to transition smoothly.
What is not clear is the reason behind this move. Samsung Messages app already supports RCS so why push Google Messages app? Google and Samsung have deepened their partnership in recent years with Samsung using the former’s AI tech heavily to develop and offer Galaxy AI. Maybe Google has a strategic agreement with Samsung, and other Android OEMs, that requires Samsung to push their Messaging app.
Either way, expect the Samsung Messages app to disappear on older Samsung phones and tablets too in the coming months as more updates and One UI 7 arrive.
