Samsung will no longer offer its own messaging app starting in July, switching instead to Google’s messaging service.
The company confirmed the change on its website, putting out an end-of-service message outlining all of the changes coming to devices.
In a statement to Newsweek, Samsung recommends “Galaxy users switch to Google Messages.”
Why It Matters
As part of the switch, Samsung promoted what it said will be improvements on the new service.
Samsung said the new service will offer RCS messaging, which allows for high-quality photo and video sharing between Android and Apple’s iOS devices.
Additionally, the company said Google Messages provides improved security, including AI scam detection and spam filters to help de-clutter the user’s inbox.
Samsung said Google Messages allows for better connectivity between devices, mimicking the iOS network that allows users to go from laptop to smartphone to smartwatch as desired.
Finally, Samsung promoted Google Message’s “expressive AI features,” noting “powerful Gemini features to bring AI-powered expressivity to your chats, including remixing photos and smart replies.”
What To Know
Older Android systems—11 and older—will not be impacted, according to the company.
However, owners of the recently released Samsung 26 Ultra—and the entire Galaxy 26 lineup—will not be able to download the Samsung Messages app.
What People Are Saying
Commenters on Reddit‘s r/samsunggalaxy forum were concerned about the change.
“Please don’t touch Samsung Gallery,” one commenter pleaded.
“Doubt that will ever happen,” another user replied. “Samsung has spent so much R&D and engineering effort on making their gallery app the most feature packed out of all the Android brands. It would be really surprising if they suddenly decided to kill it. No other gallery comes close.”
A third user clarified: “You are aware that Android is a product Google makes right? They already have all your info; now the only thing that changes is that Samsung doesn’t get a small piece of the pie.”
However, one individual pointed out that “nobody is upset about Google having access to our messages; its the fact that we don’t have the ability/option of choice. Google Messages is bland, boring, basic.
“There’s no customization features, iPhone has more customizable features with their messaging app than Samsung does now that we are being forced to switch to Google. What’s the point in having themes when they don’t even carry over to our messages? Really lame move on Samsung’s part.”
What’s Next
No device will be able to download Samsung Messages in July when it is officially discontinued.
