Samsung to discontinue its texting app, urges users to switch to Google Messages
Samsung has announced that it will discontinue its native texting app, Samsung Messages, in July.
Samsung to discontinue its texting app, urges users to switch to Google Messages
Samsung has announced that it will discontinue its native texting app, Samsung Messages, in July.
The tech giant is advising affected users of Samsung smartphones and other devices to switch to Google Messages to ensure a seamless messaging experience on Android.
According to a notice on Samsung’s U.S. support website, Galaxy phones, which operate on Google’s Android platform, can transition to Google Messages by downloading the app from the Play Store and setting it as the default messaging app. Some users may also receive in-app prompts to guide them through the switch.
Samsung highlighted that Google Messages will provide users with access to new features, including Google’s Gemini AI capabilities such as “Remix,” which allows generating images during conversations, AI-powered reply suggestions, and the ability to send higher-quality photos across Android and Apple iOS devices via RCS-enabled messaging.
The company noted that users of older Android versions, including Android 11 and earlier, will not be affected by the discontinuation. To verify their device’s Android version, users can check the “software information” section in the settings app.
Samsung added that the app is no longer available for download on its latest Galaxy 26 series and other newer devices. After July, all Samsung devices will lose access to Samsung Messages, and users are advised to check the app for the specific date when service will end.
The company has not yet clarified whether the discontinuation plan and recommendations will be applied globally beyond the U.S.