Samsung is set to enhance the messaging experience for its U.S. phone users by making Google Messages the default messaging app on its new smartphones, phasing out Samsung Messages. This significant change will align Samsung devices with the broader Android ecosystem.

First reported by Max Weinbach, this shift was announced via a notice in the Samsung Members app. The notice states:

“Starting with Flip6, Fold6, 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.”

9To5Google noted that its review unit of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 in the U.S. did not come pre-installed with Samsung Messages. Instead, Google Messages was the default app with RCS (Rich Communication Services) enabled, enhancing the messaging features significantly.

Outside the U.S., this change has not been implemented yet. Mishaal Rahman observed that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 still comes with Samsung Messages installed in other regions, indicating that this update is currently exclusive to the United States.

For users who prefer Samsung Messages, it remains available for download from the Galaxy Store, although Samsung has noted that “some features will be excluded” in this version.