Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July, transitioning users to Google Messages as part of a broader messaging upgrade aimed at improving user experience and integrating advanced RCS features. Google Messages is already deeply integrated with Gemini. The AI features within the app - smart replies, scam detection, photo remixing - all operate within Google's data environment.
Samsung has shared an “End of Service Announcement” for its Messages app in the US. The app will no longer be available for download in the Galaxy Store after July. The company has offered a guided transition for the users. Set for July 2026, Google Messages is the intended replacement.
This is for Galaxy users on Android 12 and newer, with the notice spotted today on Samsung’s US site. Older devices are “not affected by this End of Service.” Galaxy S26 users are already prevented from downloading Samsung Messages.
Samsung Messages is also being discontinued on Tizen OS watches, with users no longer able to “see the full message conversation history on their watch.”
Samsung highlights how this transition will help users. “AI-powered scam detection and robust spam filters identify and block suspicious texts to help keep your inbox clean and your personal information safer,” Samsung wrote.
“With RCS enabled across Android and iOS, you and your friends can share high-quality photos and videos, enhance your group chats, see real-time typing indicators, and more,” the company mentioned.
The tech giant shared: “Access powerful Gemini features to bring AI-powered expressivity to your chats, including remixing photos and smart replies.”
Users can also switch chats between phone, tablet, or smart watch without any interruption.
Samsung Messages will guide users to Google Messages with an in-app notification and on-screen instructions. On Android 14+, the Google Messages icon will “automatically shift” to your homescreen dock after switching.
Open or download Google Messages. The first time you open the app, a message appears: “To use Messages, make it your default SMS app.”
Tap the ’Set default SMS app’ button.
Select Google Messages. Google Messages is the white icon with the blue conversation bubble.
Tap ’Set as default’.
Also Read: Google Messages Update Brings Real-Time Location Sharing Feature
This shift offers better RCS support, cross-device consistency, and faster feature updates. Samsung Messages will still work for older devices that have older Android versions (Android 11 or lower), according to the Samsung US webpage. Ongoing RSC conversations may get interrupted; they will resume once both users switch to Google Messages. Regular SMS and MMS will still work during the transition.
It suggests Samsung is making selective choices about which software surfaces it wants to own versus which it is willing to discontinue. This also indicates a growing partnership between Samsung and Google.