The South Korean technology company Samsung announced it will terminate its proprietary messaging application this summer, according to a service termination notice posted on the company’s American support site.
Samsung Messages will cease operations in July, with affected Galaxy phone and device owners encouraged to migrate to Google Messages to ensure uninterrupted texting capabilities on Android devices.
Since Samsung Galaxy devices operate on Google’s Android platform, users can make the transition by downloading Google Messages from the Play Store if it’s not already installed, then designating it as their primary messaging app. Samsung’s website provides step-by-step instructions for the changeover, and some users may receive automated prompts within their current app to assist with the migration.
The technology manufacturer emphasizes that adopting Google Messages will unlock enhanced features, including Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence capabilities. These include an experimental “Remix” tool for creating images during text conversations and AI-generated response suggestions. Users will also benefit from improved photo quality when messaging between Android and Apple devices through RCS technology.
Device owners running older Android versions – specifically Android 11 and earlier – will remain unaffected by Samsung Messages’ discontinuation. Users can verify their Android version by accessing their device settings, selecting “software information,” and locating “Android version.”
Current owners of Samsung’s newest Galaxy 26 series and other recent models are already unable to obtain the Samsung Messages app from the Galaxy Store. Once July arrives, the application will become completely unavailable for download across all devices. Samsung advises users to check their current app for the specific termination date.
The company has not yet clarified whether this messaging app discontinuation applies to Samsung users outside the United States.
