Samsung is officially discontinuing its native Messages app in favor of Google Messages

Samsung has announced that it will discontinue the Samsung Messages app in July, ending it as a messaging option for Galaxy users. The company published an official end of service notice and is encouraging users to switch to Google Messages as their default app. Some users may also receive in app prompts to help with the transition, while Samsung recommends downloading Google Messages from the Play Store if it is not already installed.

The move gives users access to Google Messages features powered by Gemini, including AI reply suggestions and the experimental Remix tool for generating images in chats. It also expands RCS support, bringing features like higher quality media sharing, group chats, and real time typing indicators, especially for users in the United States.

Galaxy 26 models and some newer devices already can no longer download Samsung Messages, and the July cutoff will extend that to all devices. Users on Android 11 or older will not be affected, according to Samsung. Some Samsung Messages customization options may be lost in the switch, and users can check the app itself for the exact shutdown date. Samsung has not yet confirmed whether the same rollout applies globally, but it's of course the most likely scenario.