Samsung has announced plans to discontinue its long-running Samsung Messages application, with a full shutdown expected in July.
The company has begun notifying users that the app will soon stop functioning for standard messaging services, urging them to transition to alternatives, particularly Google Messages.
Samsung Messages has served as the default texting app on Galaxy smartphones for years. However, the company began shifting toward Google Messages in 2021, and by 2024 newer devices no longer included the app by default. Recent models, including the Galaxy S26 series, no longer support downloads of the application.
Following the shutdown, users will be unable to send regular SMS messages through Samsung Messages, although emergency messaging services will remain operational.
Samsung said Google Messages offers enhanced functionality, including Rich Communication Services (RCS), typing indicators, improved group messaging, higher-quality media sharing, AI-based spam protection and multi-device synchronisation.
Users are advised to install Google Messages and set it as their default messaging app ahead of the transition. The change will affect devices running older Android versions, including Android 11 and earlier, although users are free to choose alternative SMS applications from the Play Store.
The move may also impact smartwatch users. Older Galaxy Watch models running Samsung’s Tizen operating system will lose access to full messaging history, though basic messaging will still function. Newer devices, such as the Galaxy Watch 4 and later models running Wear OS, will retain full messaging capabilities.
The decision reflects a broader industry trend toward unified messaging ecosystems across Android platforms.
