Samsung ditches its stock Messages app to boost RCS adoption

To accelerate the adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS), Samsung has decided to drop its stock messaging app in favour of Google Messages on some of its latest devices. This change was first noticed on phones running One UI 6.1.1 out of the box, which didn’t come with Samsung Messages pre-installed in certain countries.

Responding to inquiries about this shift, Samsung provided clarity on its decision.

In a statement to Android Authority, the tech giant explained: “Samsung and Google have been closely working together on many communication service areas and this collaborative effort to make Google Messages the default common messaging platform for the Android mobile ecosystem will accelerate the adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS) and deliver a more robust and engaging mobile messaging experience to Galaxy users.”

The move underscores Samsung’s commitment to enhancing the messaging experience for its users while simultaneously pushing for wider RCS adoption.

RCS, the next-generation messaging standard, offers significant improvements over traditional SMS and MMS. It enables users to send and receive text, high-resolution images and videos, emojis, stickers, and location information.

Additionally, RCS introduces modern messaging features such as real-time read receipts, typing indicators, individual message replies, and improved security. These advanced capabilities extend to group chats as well, making it a comprehensive upgrade to mobile messaging.

The timing of Samsung’s decision appears to be influenced by recent developments in the messaging landscape.

Apple’s announcement to bring RCS support to iPhones with the iOS 18 update, following an investigation by the EU into Apple’s policies, has likely played a role in Samsung and Google’s collaboration. With millions of iPhones set to receive RCS functionality in the coming months, this partnership aims to create a more unified messaging experience across Android and iOS devices.

Currently, the change is limited to the US market. However, a Samsung executive has hinted at the possibility of expanding this approach to other countries, with more information expected to be revealed in the coming months.

This move by Samsung represents a significant step towards standardising RCS as the primary messaging protocol across mobile platforms.

By aligning with Google Messages, Samsung is not only simplifying the messaging experience for its users but also contributing to the broader goal of creating a more interconnected and feature-rich messaging ecosystem for all smartphone users.

As the mobile industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between major players like Samsung and Google in promoting RCS adoption could mark the beginning of a new era in mobile communication, potentially bridging the long-standing gap between Android and iOS messaging capabilities.

(Photo by Lacie Slezak)

See also: ITU-R appoints Samsung researcher to lead 6G coordination group

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Tags: android, google messages, messaging, mobile, rcs, rich communication services, samsung, samsung messages