While Google Messages is being prioritized on Samsung phones to push the RCS adoption movement, Samsung isn’t forgetting its in-house Messages app, with the application is set for a major redesign in the One UI 8.5 software.
The redesign appears focused on visual enhancements and a more cohesive user experience. Expect to see changes to icons, navigation, and overall aesthetics.
Beta-phase
One UI 8.5 also democratizes the floating navigation bar and menu bars. Similarly, the Samsung Messages app is adopting a unified design language. The homepage has added a 2-button bar for navigation, retaining the UI.
The media picker page has also added a Gallery icon for assistance. The single-button element also features the same design as the homepage elements. A three-dimensional look is spread across the app, which looks pleasing to the eye.
Tweaked Chat and Menu Buttons
The redesign also includes tweaks for the chat and menu buttons. The elements have turned filled, which also float above the content, matching other redesigned apps. It’s still in testing, and we may see more corrections before release.
The elements have turned filled, which also float above the content, matching other redesigned apps.
Why is Samsung investing resources in its own messaging app when Google Messages is readily available and increasingly feature-rich? The answer likely lies in control and differentiation.
- Control over the user experience: Samsung can tailor its messaging app to perfectly complement its One UI design language, creating a seamless and consistent look and feel across its devices.
- Differentiation: In a crowded smartphone market, offering a unique and visually appealing messaging experience can be a subtle but effective way to stand out from the competition.
- User Preference: Google Messages is widely adopted on Samsung phones, but a portion of users still prefer Samsung’s version. It offers a clean user interface that looks better than Google Messages, and its RCS support keeps it relevant.
Samsung Messages will continue to be available as an opt-in app in One UI 8.5 as well.
The new design is currently under wraps. An image via That Josh Guy (X) can be found here.
The revamped Samsung Messages app is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series, slated for release next year. But this is just one piece of the puzzle. One UI 8.5 promises a host of new features and improvements, including leaked app lock functionality, suggesting a broader push towards enhanced privacy and security.
As Samsung continues to refine its software ecosystem, expect to see more attention paid to the details, from subtle UI tweaks to innovative features that enhance the overall user experience. The messaging app, often taken for granted, is just one example of this ongoing evolution.
