Samsung Will Ship Phones Without Samsung Messages in the US

Samsung’s latest foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6, will not come with the Samsung Messages app pre-installed in the United States. Instead, Google Messages will be the new default messaging app for these models. This change is currently limited to devices sold in the US, with Canadian and European models continuing to offer Samsung Messages.

The transition away from Samsung’s own messaging app began in 2021, when the company made Google Messages the default on some of its devices, starting with the Galaxy S21 series in Europe. The US followed suit with the Galaxy S22 a year later. Now, with the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, Samsung is fully embracing Google Messages by omitting its own app altogether from these devices.

In a statement revealed by Android leaker Max Weinbach, Samsung explained that “Starting with the Flip 6, Fold 6, 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.”

Despite this shift, users in the US who prefer Samsung Messages can still download it from the Galaxy Store. However, it will come with the caveat that some features might be excluded.

Google Messages has been the default messaging app on Samsung phones in the US since 2022, bringing with it the benefits of RCS messaging. This protocol allows for enhanced messaging features such as higher quality images, read receipts, and typing indicators.

According to Android expert Mishaal Rahman, this change is not being implemented universally. Devices sold in Canada and Europe will still come with Samsung Messages preloaded, although Google Messages will remain the default app.

The news was first spotted in the Samsung Members app by analyst Max Weinbach and confirmed via a notice explaining the change and highlighting some of the benefits of Google Messages. The notice also mentioned that RCS would be enabled by default on the new foldables, enhancing the user experience further.

While this move marks a significant step in Samsung’s messaging strategy, some users may miss the Samsung Messages experience. The company appears to be maintaining the app in the Galaxy Store for those who prefer it, although its future remains uncertain.

This decision was anticipated, especially given Samsung’s gradual shift towards Google Messages in recent years. As users start receiving their Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 devices, they should be prepared for the absence of Samsung Messages. The change aims to provide a more streamlined and feature-rich messaging experience through Google Messages, despite some limitations currently present, such as the compression of images sent via RCS. However, improvements are expected in future updates to Google Messages.