Samsung to Discontinue Texting App, Urges Users to Switch to Google Messages

Tech giant ends support for Samsung Messages, citing desire for 'consistent messaging experience on Android'

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:56pm

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A highly detailed 3D illustration of a glowing, futuristic smartphone with neon cyan and magenta lights pulsing through its transparent chassis, conceptually representing the convergence of hardware and software in modern mobile technology.The discontinuation of Samsung's messaging app signals a shift in the balance of power between hardware and software in the mobile ecosystem.NYC Today

Samsung is discontinuing its proprietary texting app, Samsung Messages, and is encouraging users to switch to Google Messages instead. The company says the change will provide access to the latest AI features and better cross-platform compatibility, though users of older Android devices will not be impacted. Samsung Messages will no longer be available for download after July, and all devices will lose access to the app at that time.

Why it matters

The move represents a shift in Samsung's mobile strategy, as the company cedes control of the core messaging experience on its Android devices to Google. This could impact user privacy and data control, as Google's messaging app collects more user information than Samsung's proprietary solution. The change also highlights the ongoing dominance of Google's Android ecosystem, even for major hardware partners like Samsung.

The details

According to Samsung's end of service announcement, the Samsung Messages app will be discontinued in July 2026. Users of Samsung smartphones and other devices are being instructed to download Google Messages from the Play Store and set it as the default messaging app. This will provide access to the latest AI features from Google's Gemini, including an experimental 'Remix' tool to generate images during conversations and AI-powered reply suggestions. It will also enable higher quality photo sharing between Android and iOS devices through RCS messaging.

  • Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July 2026.
  • Users must switch to Google Messages before the July 2026 shutdown.

The players

Samsung

A major global technology company and the largest manufacturer of Android smartphones.

Google Messages

Google's official messaging app for the Android operating system, which will replace Samsung Messages as the default texting app on Samsung devices.

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What’s next

Users of Samsung's latest Galaxy 26 lineup and other newer phones cannot download the Samsung Messages app from the Galaxy Store today. All devices will no longer be able to download Samsung Messages after it's officially discontinued in July 2026.

The takeaway

Samsung's decision to discontinue its proprietary messaging app and direct users to Google Messages highlights the growing dominance of Google's Android ecosystem, even for major hardware partners. This shift could impact user privacy and data control, as Google's messaging solution collects more user information than Samsung's app. The change also reflects the challenges faced by device manufacturers in maintaining their own software platforms in the face of Google's platform power.