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. 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.
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.
Briefingshow
Samsung is surrendering its last meaningful control over a core communication app, handing it entirely to Google. This is no small concession – messaging is the single most-used function on smartphones. For users, the switch brings richer features via RCS and Gemini AI, but at the cost of Samsung-specific customization.
Long term, this further cements Google as the software backbone of the Android ecosystem, even on Samsung's own hardware.
Sources