Trending Now - Samsung to Phase Out Messages App in US by July 2026
WHO:
9to5Google - Samsung is the organization involved in the discontinuation of its Messages app in the US.
WHAT:
Engadget - Samsung has been phasing out the Samsung Messages app for a few years, starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, followed by the Galaxy S25 series, where the Google Messages app was pre-installed instead of Samsung Messages.
9to5Google - Samsung Messages users on devices released before 2022 may experience temporary disruptions in ongoing RCS conversations, but these can resume if both parties switch to Google Messages.
9to5Google - Samsung has shared an "End of Service Announcement" for its Messages app in the US, indicating that the app will no longer be available for download in the Galaxy Store after July 2026.
Engadget - Samsung Messages will also be discontinued on Tizen OS watches, where users will no longer be able to see the full message conversation history on their watch.
9to5Google - Samsung highlights new features in Google Messages, including AI-powered scam detection, robust spam filters, RCS messaging capabilities, and generative AI features from Gemini.
9to5Google - Samsung plans to discontinue its Messages app in the US.
9to5Google - The Messages app will no longer be available for download in the Galaxy Store after July 2026.
9to5Google - Users will be guided to switch to Google Messages, which will become the default SMS app.
9to5Google - Samsung Messages will no longer allow sending messages except to emergency service numbers or defined emergency contacts after discontinuation.
WHERE:
9to5Google - The discontinuation of the Messages app is specific to the US.
WHEN:
9to5Google - The Messages app will be discontinued in July 2026.
9to5Google - Galaxy S26 users are already prevented from downloading Samsung Messages as of April 2026.
WHY:
9to5Google - The transition to Google Messages is part of an upgrade process for Samsung users.
HOW:
9to5Google - Users will see a message in Google Messages stating: “To use Messages, make it your default SMS app.”
9to5Google - Users on older Android versions will receive instructions from Samsung on how to switch to Google Messages, ensuring a guided transition for those devices.
9to5Google - Samsung will provide in-app notifications and on-screen instructions to guide users in switching to Google Messages.
9to5Google - On Android 14+, the Google Messages icon will automatically shift to the homescreen dock after switching.
9to5Google - Users will need to open Google Messages, tap the 'Set default SMS app' button, and select Google Messages to complete the transition.
(UPDATED April 5, 2026 23:04 UTC)
Samsung is continuing its transition away from the Samsung Messages app, having started with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, and now including the Galaxy S25 series, which comes pre-installed with Google Messages. Users of Samsung Messages on devices released before 2022 might face temporary disruptions in their ongoing RCS conversations, but these can be resolved if both parties switch to Google Messages. Those making the switch will receive a prompt in Google Messages advising them to set it as their default SMS app.
--
(UPDATED April 5, 2026 17:07 UTC)
Samsung has announced that its Messages app will no longer be available for download in the Galaxy Store after July 20th26, and it will also be discontinued on Tizen OS watches, limiting users' access to full message conversation history. In light of this change, Samsung is promoting new features in Google Messages, such as AI-powered scam detection and robust spam filters, along with RCS messaging capabilities and generative AI features from Gemini. Users on older Android versions will receive guidance from Samsung on how to transition to Google Messages smoothly.
--
(UPDATED April 5, 2026 05:31 UTC)
Samsung is set to discontinue its Messages app in the US, with the app no longer available for download in the Galaxy Store after July 20th26. Users will be guided to switch to Google Messages, which will become the default SMS app, and after the discontinuation, Samsung Messages will only allow messaging to emergency services or defined emergency contacts. Galaxy S26 users are already unable to download Samsung Messages as of April 20th26, and Samsung will provide in-app notifications and instructions to help users transition to Google Messages.