Verizon is making a big move in the world of messaging. The company is shutting down its popular Verizon Messages and Message Plus apps, encouraging users to switch to Google Messages. This decision is driven by the growing popularity of RCS (Rich Communication Services), a technology that promises a smoother, more feature-rich messaging experience across different platforms.
Verizon argues that Google Messages provides a better overall experience, especially now that it can interact seamlessly with Apple Messages on iOS devices. This means users can enjoy features like high-quality image and video sharing, read receipts, and typing indicators, regardless of whether they are using an Android or iOS device.
This move isn’t entirely surprising. Samsung previously dropped support for its Samsung Messages app in favor of Google Messages, showcasing the growing trend towards RCS as the standard for mobile communication. With the widespread adoption of RCS, the need for separate third-party messaging apps is diminishing.
Verizon Messages began shutting down on October 2nd, and the complete closure is scheduled for November 7th. While it’s always a little disappointing to see a favorite app disappear, this change will likely benefit most users. Google Messages is well-positioned to become the default messaging app for Android, and with iOS 18 now supporting RCS, the technology is becoming a universal standard for mobile communication.
The shutdown of Verizon Messages and Samsung Messages may be an unintended consequence of the rapid adoption of RCS, but ultimately, it signifies a positive trend. Fewer dedicated messaging apps mean less clutter and a simpler, more streamlined mobile experience for everyone.
