In recent months, there has been an ongoing debate among Samsung users about whether the company’s native messaging application, Samsung Messages, is being discontinued or simply replaced. This controversy stems from a somewhat ambiguous announcement about “sunsetting” the app, which led many to believe that it would no longer be available. However, this is not exactly the case. Samsung Messages has not been entirely shut down, but rather, it has received a new update and will remain available—though its role has indeed changed. The app, once thought to be facing obsolescence, will no longer come preloaded on new Samsung models like the Galaxy S25 series. Instead, Google Messages, known for its Rich Communication Services (RCS), will be the default messaging app on these devices. This shift marks a significant change in Samsung’s approach to messaging software but doesn’t spell the end for Samsung Messages.
The Shift to Google Messages
Samsung’s decision to switch from its proprietary RCS to Google’s RCS initially fueled the rumors about the discontinuation of Samsung Messages. Last year, Samsung announced this change, which led many to speculate that Samsung Messages would eventually be phased out. However, the reality is somewhat more nuanced. Samsung Messages has recently been updated to reintegrate Google’s RCS, meaning that while the app itself is not being completely abandoned, its primary function has certainly been altered. This update has allowed Samsung to align more closely with Google’s messaging infrastructure, leveraging the benefits of Google’s robust RCS system while retaining Samsung Messages as an option for users who prefer it.
Despite this major shift, Samsung Messages is still obtainable through the Galaxy Store, but it has been notably absent from the Google Play Store. This availability means that users who have grown accustomed to Samsung’s native messaging app can continue to use it, albeit they will need to take extra steps to download it. Interestingly, this shift also reflects Samsung’s broader strategy to enhance user experience by integrating Google’s powerful messaging features without discarding its established applications.
Future of Samsung Messages
The introduction of Google Messages as the default app on Samsung devices such as the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, and potentially the S25 Edge does signify a new direction for the company. Users will now find Google Messages preloaded on these models, exemplifying a broader trend of collaboration between Samsung and Google. However, for those who prefer Samsung Messages, the app is not gone—it is merely repositioned as a secondary, downloadable choice rather than a primary, preinstalled option.
This change emphasizes Samsung’s commitment to offering an enhanced messaging experience, driven by the advanced features of Google’s RCS. By making Google Messages the default, Samsung is enabling users to benefit from a larger feature set and better interoperability with other RCS-enabled devices. Nonetheless, the company has also made it clear that it values the users who have a preference for Samsung Messages, ensuring that the app remains accessible through the Galaxy Store. In practice, this means the application continues to exist though in a supporting role, providing an alternative for those loyal to Samsung’s original messaging solution.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The adoption of Google Messages as the default app on Samsung devices like the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, and possibly the S25 Edge marks a significant shift for Samsung. Users will now see Google Messages preloaded on these models, highlighting an increased partnership between Samsung and Google. For those who favor Samsung Messages, it hasn’t been removed but is now a secondary, downloadable option instead of a pre-installed one.
This move underscores Samsung’s dedication to enhancing the messaging experience by leveraging the advanced features of Google’s Rich Communication Services (RCS). By setting Google Messages as the default, Samsung allows users to access a broader set of features and improved interoperability with other RCS-enabled devices. That said, Samsung acknowledges users who prefer Samsung Messages, keeping it easily accessible via the Galaxy Store. Therefore, the app still exists but plays a less prominent role, serving as an alternative for those who are dedicated to Samsung’s original messaging solution.
