Samsung will discontinue Samsung Messages by July 2026, advising users to switch to Google Messages for continued texting and RCS features

Samsung has announced plans to discontinue its native messaging application, Samsung Messages, with a full shutdown scheduled for July 2026.

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The company confirmed that after the deadline, users will no longer be able to send text messages through the app, marking a major shift in its mobile software strategy.

Samsung is now encouraging users to transition to Google Messages, which has already become the default messaging app on several newer Galaxy devices.

The Samsung Messages shutdown is part of the company’s broader move to align more closely with the Android ecosystem powered by Google.

Google Messages offers additional features such as Rich Communication Services (RCS), improved media sharing, and AI-powered smart replies, making it a more advanced alternative for users.

To ease the transition, Samsung said it will roll out in-app notifications and guidance to help users switch before the deadline.

The company noted that users can download Google Messages from the Play Store and set it as their default SMS application within a few simple steps.

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Samsung clarified that the current end-of-service notice applies only to users in the United States, with updates for other regions expected later.