Samsung to Discontinue Its Messaging App

Samsung is set to phase out its messaging app, Samsung Messages, as revealed in an announcement on its U.S. support site. This service will come to an end in July, prompting users of Samsung smartphones and devices to transition to Google Messages for a seamless messaging experience on Android.

Since all Samsung Galaxy phones operate on Google’s Android system, instructions are available on Samsung’s website for downloading the Google Messages app from the Play Store if it’s not already installed. Users may also receive in-app notifications to assist with this transition.

Switching to Google Messages is expected to enhance user experience by providing access to Google’s latest AI features, like the Gemini update, which introduces a tool called “Remix” for creating images within chats and AI-driven reply suggestions. Additionally, it will enable the sharing of higher quality photos between Android and Apple iOS devices using RCS-enabled messaging.

Those with older Android versions (specifically Android 11 or prior) will not be affected by the discontinuation of Samsung Messages. To verify the Android version on a Samsung device, users can check the settings app under “software information.”

As for the newer Galaxy 26 models and other recent devices, users won’t find the Samsung Messages app available for download from the Galaxy Store at this time.

Following the official discontinuation in July, all devices will be unable to download Samsung Messages. Samsung has advised users to check their apps for the specific date when the service will be discontinued.

Samsung has yet to provide additional details on whether this transition is applicable to users outside the U.S.