# It’s Time to Eliminate the Era of Redundant Apps on Samsung Smartphones
For numerous years, Samsung Galaxy smartphones have been celebrated for their robust hardware, cutting-edge designs, and extensive software features. Nonetheless, a recurring challenge for Samsung devices has been the existence of redundant apps. These are applications that fulfill the same purpose but originate from different developers, primarily Google and Samsung. This duplication not only clutters the user interface but also prompts inquiries about the necessity of having multiple apps for identical functions. With recent advancements, it appears that Samsung may finally be poised to simplify its app landscape, beginning with its messaging application. But could this signal the end of redundant apps on Samsung smartphones?
## Key Information
– **Samsung Messages is no longer pre-installed** on the newest Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 models.
– Samsung is **motivating users to adopt Google Messages** as their default SMS application.
– While Samsung Messages is not being phased out immediately, it seems that **Google Messages will become the primary messaging app** for Samsung’s One UI.
## The Age of Redundant Apps
For better or worse, owning a Samsung Galaxy phone has historically meant encountering redundant apps. Google has its own collection of default apps, such as Chrome, Google Calendar, and Google Messages, as part of the Android operating system. However, Samsung has frequently integrated its own equivalents of these applications, such as Samsung Internet, Samsung Calendar, and Samsung Messages, into its customized One UI interface.
This leads to a scenario where users end up with two applications serving the same purpose. For instance, you might have both Google Chrome and Samsung Internet on your device, or both Google Calendar and Samsung Calendar. This phenomenon is much rarer on other Android devices, where Google’s applications usually take precedence, and manufacturers do not see the necessity of including their own alternatives.
### Samsung Messages vs. Google Messages
A prime example of this redundancy is Samsung Messages, which has traditionally been the default SMS application on Galaxy devices. However, in recent years, Samsung has been transitioning towards using **Google Messages** as the standard messaging app, particularly on its flagship models. Nevertheless, Samsung Messages has remained available as a pre-installed alternative—until now.
With the launch of the **Galaxy Z Flip 6** and **Galaxy Z Fold 6**, Samsung Messages is no longer automatically included. This action implies that Samsung is progressively discontinuing its messaging application in favor of Google Messages. Although Samsung Messages can still be downloaded, the company is proactively urging users to transition to Google Messages, even facilitating the import of message history from Samsung Messages to Google’s application.
### Reasons for the Change
The movement towards Google Messages is likely influenced by several elements:
1. **RCS Support**: Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the next generation of messaging protocol that enhances SMS with features such as read receipts, typing notifications, and high-quality media sharing. Google Messages provides comprehensive RCS support, while Samsung Messages has shown inconsistency in its RCS capabilities, often depending on carrier backing. By steering users toward Google Messages, Samsung guarantees access to the finest messaging experience available on Android.
2. **User Convenience**: Having two distinct messaging applications is unnecessary and may confuse users. By consolidating around Google Messages, Samsung can streamline the user experience and minimize the quantity of pre-installed applications on its devices.
3. **Ecosystem Compatibility**: Google Messages is becoming the standard messaging application for Android devices, and with **Apple’s forthcoming RCS support**, it is logical for Samsung to align itself with Google’s ecosystem. This alignment ensures that Samsung users can enjoy seamless messaging experiences across different platforms.
## What Causes the Prevalence of Duplicate Apps?
The existence of duplicate applications on Samsung smartphones can be traced back to Samsung’s ambition to establish its own ecosystem. Samsung isn’t solely a smartphone manufacturer; it produces tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, laptops, TVs, and even home appliances like washing machines and refrigerators. By providing its own versions of default applications, Samsung can foster a more cohesive experience across all its products.
For example, Samsung Internet is crafted to work flawlessly with Samsung’s DeX mode, which enables users to convert their phone into a desktop-like environment. Likewise, Samsung Calendar syncs with Samsung’s smartwatches and other devices in ways that Google Calendar may not.
However, this strategy has its drawbacks. The extensive number of pre-installed applications on Samsung devices can contribute to the software feeling bloated. Users frequently encounter two applications for identical functions, which may cause confusion and frustration. For instance, why should a user possess both **Google Chrome** and **Samsung Internet** on their device when one browser would suffice?
## The Argument for Simplification
Samsung’s initiative to phase out Samsung Messages in favor of Google Messages is a progressive move. It streamlines the user experience and decreases the number of redundant applications on Galaxy devices. But
