Tech Desk 
Jan 24, 2025
Samsung discontinued its stock Samsung Messages app, coinciding with the release of the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series, making Google Messages the default messaging app on its latest devices.
This decision perfectly reflects the company's rising partnership with Google, and its focus on supporting rich communication services (RCS) messaging has been pre-installed on all the Samsung devices that allow it to combine its cross-platform communication.
Moreover, the South Korean tech giant revealed that it is "sunsetting" the app, removing it from the Google Play Store.
However, existing users won’t retain access to the app along with the OneUI 7 update, and it will be available to install from the Galaxy Store for those who are seeking to use it.
In an official statement to Android Authority, the South Korean-based tech giant demonstrated its reasoning, highlighting the advantages of RCS messaging and its strategic collaboration with Google:
"With the close collaboration between Google and Samsung, we have opted to migrate all services to Google Messages and are sunsetting Samsung Messages. The added functionality of RCS creates an enhanced user experience for both Android-to-Android messaging and across platforms."
This significant move is similar to the earlier decisions, including removing Samsung Messages from its flagship foldable handsets. While the app will remain available for existing users.
This discontinuation of Samsung Messages signifies a substantial leap forward in Samsung’s software ecosystem, prioritising Alphabet-owned Google’s solutions for enhanced functionality and an excellent user experience.
