Samsung offers Google Messages by default on its Galaxy S22, which is a strong underpinning for establishing RCS as a standard.
Most often, Android smartphone manufacturers prefer to use their own launchers and applications. The interest is obvious for brands. This locks users into their ecosystems, making it difficult to switch to another competing brand. And this is easily verified today in various surveys conducted among the population. The smallest changes do not go unnoticed. Today Samsung is changing its habits.
Samsung offers default Google messages on its Galaxy S22
It looks like Samsung has indeed decided to switch to Google Messages as the default messaging app for its smartphones in the US market. Google Messages has always been available to download on Android smartphones, of course, but on OEM devices, users usually have to download it themselves if they want to use it rather than the app offered by the manufacturer.
Weight gain to establish RCS as standard
With the Galaxy S22, the South Korean giant has taken the decision to pre-install the app for users and make it the default messaging app. Why is it important? Because for Apple iPhone users, the Cupertino company advertises its Messages app and its iMessage service as one of the main reasons for using an Apple-branded smartphone. As Google is pushing RCS to be a universal standard that works across platforms and many devices, then if a large company like Samsung adopts it and makes it the default option, it could make a big difference.
That being said, Samsung Galaxy S22 owners are apparently free to choose their favorite messaging app. Even with Google Messages offered by default, if you’re not a fan of Google Messages or prefer to use third-party services like WhatsApp or Telegram, these various options remain available. The goal is not to deprive users of choice, but simply to redirect them.