Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July and replace it with Google's
Samsung is putting the final nail in the coffin for its own messaging app. The smartphone maker posted an "End of Service Announcement" on its website , revealing that the Samsung Messages app will no longer be available by July of this year. Samsung also recommended that anyone still using Samsung Messages switch over to Google Messages as the default messaging app. For Samsung Messages users in the US, the switch to Google offers RCS messaging that lets you send high-quality media, join group chats and get real-time typing indicators no matter the smartphone's OS. Galaxy smartphone owners may lose out on some of the Samsung Messages customization options, but Google Messages will make up for it generative AI from Gemini that can remix your photos in chats. On top of those features, Google Messages makes it easier for Samsung users to switch chats between a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch. It's no surprise that Samsung is only using Google Messages from now on, since it has been phasing out Samsung Messages for a few years now. Dating back to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, and then followed by the Galaxy S25 series , Samsung stopped preloading the Samsung Messages app and instead pre-installed the Google Messages app. The Samsung Messages app is still available on the Galaxy Store , but Samsung said the exact final date will eventually be announced on the app itself. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-will-discontinue-its-messages-app-in-july-and-replace-it-with-googles-162204307.html?src=rss
Samsung, one of the world's leading smartphone manufacturers, has announced that it will be discontinuing its proprietary Messages app in July. The company has posted an "End of Service Announcement" on its website, confirming that the Samsung Messages app will no longer be available by the end of the month. Samsung has also recommended that users transition to Google Messages as their default messaging app.
The decision to phase out Samsung Messages is not a sudden one; the company has been gradually moving away from its proprietary app for several years. Starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, and later extending to the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung began pre-installing Google Messages instead of its own app on new devices. This shift has now culminated in the official discontinuation of Samsung Messages.
For Samsung Messages users in the United States, transitioning to Google Messages offers several advantages. One of the most significant benefits is the inclusion of RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging, which allows users to send high-quality media, participate in group chats, and receive real-time typing indicators, regardless of the smartphone's operating system. This level of integration and functionality is not currently available through Samsung Messages.
While some Galaxy smartphone owners may miss the customization options provided by Samsung Messages, Google Messages compensates with its own unique features. One such feature is the integration of Gemini, an AI-powered tool that can remix photos within chat conversations, adding a new level of personalization and creativity to messaging.
Additionally, Google Messages simplifies the process of managing chats across multiple devices. Samsung users can now seamlessly switch between their smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch, ensuring that they never miss a message or conversation.
Although Samsung Messages will be officially discontinued in July, the app remains available on the Galaxy Store for now. The exact final date for the app will be announced within the app itself. Samsung has not provided specific reasons for the decision to discontinue its messaging app, but it is likely a combination of factors, including the need for greater integration with other services, the benefits of RCS, and the advantages of leveraging Google's extensive ecosystem.
This move by Samsung is another example of the growing trend of smartphone manufacturers relying on third-party apps for essential services. By opting for Google Messages, Samsung is aligning itself with a widely-used and robust messaging platform, ensuring that its users have access to a comprehensive and reliable service.
In conclusion, Samsung's decision to discontinue its Messages app and replace it with Google Messages marks a significant shift in the smartphone industry. While this change may result in the loss of some customization options for Galaxy users, the benefits of RCS, AI-driven features, and device integration are likely to outweigh the drawbacks. As Samsung continues to integrate Google services into its devices, the future of messaging on Samsung smartphones will increasingly depend on the capabilities and innovations of Google Messages.
