After Samsung, even Verizon is shutting down its texting app in favor of Google Messages

Thanks to RCS adoption, Verizon has little reason left to compete in the messaging space.

After Samsung, even Verizon is shutting down its texting app in favor of Google Messages
Google Messages SMS stock photo 9
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Verizon is shutting down Verizon Messages and its Message Plus app, with total discontinuation scheduled for November 7, 2024.
  • Thanks to RCS adoption on iPhones, there is little reason left for Verizon to compete in the messaging app space.
  • Verizon recommends users switch to Google Messages and Apple Messages.

The rollout of RCS on iPhones with the iOS 18 update is changing the messaging landscape in the US. iPhone users can now finally send RCS messages to Android users, and in return, we are seeing greater consolidation between messaging apps. At first, Samsung dropped its Samsung Messages app in favor of Google Messages. Now, even Verizon is shutting down its Message Plus app in favor of Google’s messaging app.

As spotted by Reddit user odoggyfresh, Verizon has updated its Verizon Messages (Message Plus) FAQ to inform users that the app has shut down and will be fully discontinued on November 7, 2024.