Users will soon switch to Google services since Samsung is discontinuing its Messages app.

The Samsung Messages app will be withdrawn in July 2026, according to a statement from Samsung. Galaxy smartphones running Android 12 or later are eligible for this upgrade. With the exception of a few restricted features like emergency service numbers and pre-established emergency contacts, the app will no longer support standard texting after this date

In a blog post, the South Korean tech giant announced the update, urging users to migrate to Google Messages as the new default, “Upgrade to Google Messages as your default messaging app today to maintain a consistent messaging experience on Android.” The decision ends Samsung’s decade-long use of its own messaging app and reflects a broader shift towards Google’s Android messaging ecosystem..

By removing Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store and pre-installing Google Messages on its most recent models, Samsung has already started getting ready for this shift. There is one exception, though: this upgrade won’t impact devices running Android 11 or older versions. 

To put it simply, because earlier Android versions are incompatible with more recent communication standards, they will keep supporting the Samsung Messages app. Users have two options for switching to Google Messages: manually or through an in-app notification. If Samsung Messages has an in-app prompt, just follow the on-screen directions to finish the switch.

On the other hand, users can manually install or open Google Messages from the Play Store, tap on “Set default SMS app,” select Google Messages, and confirm by choosing “Set as default.” For those using Android 12 or 13, it is also recommended by the company to replace Samsung Messages on the home screen with Google Messages for easier access.

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is one of Google Messages’ many improvements over Samsung Messages. Group conversations, real-time typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing (image and video) are all supported. Additionally, it has AI-powered spam and scam detection, multi-device messaging across phones, tablets, and select smartwatches, and connection with Google’s Gemini AI for intelligent responses and photo remixing.

Samsung was the first company to switch from in-house messaging programs to Google Messages. Will companies like Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi likely follow suit? That’s still not obvious.