Samsung has shared a “End of service announcement” for its Messages app in the US. Scheduled for July 2026, Google Messages is the intended replacement, and Samsung is offering a guided transition. This has been a it’s been coming for a long time.
Once the Samsung Messages app is suspended, it will no longer be possible to send messages through Samsung Messages on your phone, except for emergency service numbers or emergency contacts defined on your device.
The app will no longer be available for download in the Galaxy Store after July. Galaxy S26 users can no longer download Samsung Messages.
This is for Galaxy users running Android 12 and up, with the notice seen today on Samsung’s US site. Older devices are “unaffected by this end of service.”
Samsung Messages will guide users to Google Messages with an in-app notification and on-screen instructions. On Android 14+, the Google Messages icon will “auto-switch” to the base of your home screen after switching.
- Open or download Google Messages. The first time you open the app, a message appears: “To use Messages, make it your default SMS app.”
- Tap the “Set default SMS app” button.
- Select Google Messages. Google Messages is the white icon with the blue conversation bubble.
- Tap “Set as default.”
- Google Messages is now your default messaging app.
Samsung Messages will also be discontinued on Tizen OS watches, and users will no longer be able to “view the entire message conversation history on their watch.”
“…however, those watches will still allow the user to read and send text messages.”
Besides:
For Samsung devices released before 2022, switching messaging apps may temporarily interrupt ongoing RCS conversations. However, RCS conversations can resume if both parties switch to Google Messages. MMS/SMS messages will still be available during this period.
Samsung highlights “updates” in Google Messages such as:
Powerful security: “AI-powered scam detection and robust spam filters identify and block suspicious text to help keep your inbox clean and your personal information safer.”
RCS Messaging: “With RCS enabled on Android and iOS, you and your friends can share high-quality photos and videos, enhance your group chats, see real-time typing indicators, and more.”
Expressive AI Features: “Access Gemini’s powerful features to bring AI-powered expressiveness to your chats, including photo remixing and smart replies.”
Multi-device connectivity: “Switch chats between your phone, tablet or smartwatch without interruption.”
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