Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July and replace it with Google's
TL;DR
Samsung officially discontinues its Messages app in July 2026, publishing an 'End of Service Announcement' on its website.
Key Points
- Users are directed to switch to Google Messages, which becomes the new default messaging solution on Galaxy devices.
- Google Messages brings full RCS support: high-quality media, group chats, and real-time typing indicators across all smartphone platforms.
- Gemini AI is integrated into Google Messages, enabling features like photo remixing directly within conversations.
- Cross-device chat continuity between smartphone, tablet, and smartwatch is improved with Google Messages.
Nauti's Take
Samsung is doing what many Android manufacturers have quietly done for years: stepping back from app development and leaning fully into Google's ecosystem. The real question is why Samsung held on to its own messaging app this long – it was rarely anyone's first choice.
The clear winner here is Google, which now gains direct access to hundreds of millions of Samsung users through Gemini-powered features. For end users the transition will likely be painless; for Samsung's software ambitions, it's yet another retreat.
Sources