Samsung Messages 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 triggered it within the first place. I will additionally level forward to its future to see if it could make a comeback or disappear like many once-great out of date apps.

What’s Samsung Messages?

Most Galaxy patrons used it in some unspecified time in the future

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 easy and intuitive messaging platform for sending SMS and MMS messages earlier than the introduction of Google Messages. Both messaging apps work properly and have comparable options, though some customers want the clutter-free design and ease of Samsung Messages over its extra superior competitor.

When did Google Messages exchange 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 grew to become a local app for the Samsung Galaxy S21, though Samsung Messages was nonetheless the default possibility. Issues modified in 2022 when Google Messages grew to become the default app on Galaxy S22, changing Samsung Messages for the primary time. It marked a shift for the corporate, nevertheless it wasn’t a giant deal for customers who may simply switch to their previous messaging platform, which was nonetheless put in as a One UI app.

All subsequent Samsung Galaxy telephones, together with the S23, S24, and varied flip and fold fashions, adopted go well with with Google Messages because the default app and Samsung Messages as the choice possibility 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 modification is simply within the US, and Galaxy telephones in different territories nonetheless ship with Samsung Messages preinstalled.

Why did Google Messages turn out to be the default app on Samsung Galaxy telephones?

You may’t maintain again new expertise from the plenty

Google messages are taking heart stage due to the implementation of its RCS expertise. 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 an alternative of by way of the provider community. It makes it simpler to ship and obtain recordsdata and provides 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 expertise, 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 folks 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 supply 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 can even implement RCS on iPhones by way of the iOS 18 replace this 12 months 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 turn out to be the driving, default app on its gadgets — although, there was most likely no different. The corporate may both deny its customers the newest messaging options and undermine their Galaxy expertise or give them the most effective chat possibility from Google that works throughout manufacturers and carriers.

As talked about earlier, Samsung Messages continues to be a pre-installed app in lots of territories, and it is solely within the US the place it is not bundled as a typical 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 recognition is waning amongst tech-savvy individuals who need the newest options.

Future patrons will most likely stick to the default Google Messages moderately than obtain Samsung Messages until they need particular options. You may’t blame Samsung for falling by the wayside as a result of resisting Google’s ecosystem is futile, and it is not value combating a dropping battle.

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

Is it nonetheless value utilizing Samsung Messages on Galaxy telephones?

There are professionals and cons for each consumer

It will depend on you. Samsung Messages continues to be a good messaging platform utilized by numerous folks worldwide — it is steady and user-friendly, and folks utilizing WhatsApp and different third-party apps for RCS chats won’t thoughts its lack of cutting-edge options as a result of they’re proud of the alternate options.

However, 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 business. It is sensible 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.