Samsung to End Messaging App, Switch Users to Google

Tech giant to discontinue its Samsung Messages service in July 2026

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:51am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic smartphone with holographic messaging interfaces emerging from the screen, bathed in neon cyan and magenta lights, suspended against a dark, shadowy background.The shift from Samsung's messaging app to Google's integrated Android platform signals a new era of AI-powered communication features for Samsung device owners.NYC Today

Samsung is shutting down its proprietary Samsung Messages app and asking users to switch to Google Messages instead. The change will impact owners of Samsung smartphones and other devices, who will need to download the Google Messages app and set it as the default to maintain a consistent messaging experience on Android.

Why it matters

The move marks a shift in Samsung's strategy, as the company moves away from maintaining its own messaging platform in favor of integrating more closely with Google's Android ecosystem. This change will affect millions of Samsung device owners, who will need to adapt to the new messaging experience.

The details

According to Samsung's end of service announcement, the Samsung Messages app will be discontinued in July 2026. Users are being instructed to download the Google Messages app from the Play Store and set it as the default to continue using messaging features. The switch will give users access to the latest AI-powered features from Google, including image generation and smart reply suggestions. Owners of older Android devices (Android 11 or older) will not be impacted by the change, but newer Samsung Galaxy phones can no longer download the Samsung Messages app from the Galaxy Store.

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

The players

Samsung

A multinational electronics and technology company that is the world's largest producer of smartphones, semiconductors, and consumer electronics.

Google

The multinational technology company that develops and operates the Android operating system, as well as the Google Messages app that will replace Samsung Messages.

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What’s next

Users of Samsung devices must download the Google Messages app and set it as the default messaging app before the Samsung Messages service is discontinued in July 2026.

The takeaway

This change reflects Samsung's strategy to more closely integrate its devices with Google's Android ecosystem, rather than maintaining its own proprietary messaging platform. It will require Samsung users to adapt to a new messaging experience, but will also provide access to the latest AI-powered features from Google.