Context:

Samsung will discontinue its native Messages app on Galaxy devices in July 2026, urging users to switch to Google Messages where RCS texting, multi-device access, and AI-assisted spam protection are highlighted as benefits. The move continues a long-term shift away from preinstalling Samsung’s messaging app, with the company already not bundling it on new devices since 2021 and stopping preinstalls in 2024. The transition includes instructions to install Google Messages, and it notes that older Android versions may still function but are not optimal. The change will affect older Galaxy Watches running Tizen, which lose full conversation history, while Wear OS watches retain full access. Samsung emphasizes that emergency SMS will remain the only functioning capability in the discontinued app once the sunset hits, and it signals a broader push toward Google’s ecosystem for texting on future devices.

Dive Deeper:

• Samsung plans to sunset its Messages app in July 2026, directing users to adopt Google Messages as the default texting solution on Galaxy phones.

• The switch is framed around enhanced features in Google Messages, including RCS capabilities, improved group chats, higher-quality media, AI-enabled spam detection, and cross-device message access.

• Despite the discontinuation, Samsung notes that devices on Android 11 or older are not affected, though those users are encouraged to migrate to a supported app for a better experience.

• The Galaxy S26 and most current Android devices are cited as examples where Google Messages is the default, underscoring the broader industry shift away from Samsung’s preinstalled SMS app.

• Older Galaxy Watches running Tizen will lose full conversation history when paired with the new messaging setup, whereas newer Wear OS watches (Galaxy Watch 4+) will retain full access to conversations.

• Samsung has not provided a precise date in July for when the app will stop functioning, and a company spokesperson did not immediately respond to inquiries.

• After the sunset, only emergency SMS will work within Samsung Messages, and devices will rely on Google Messages or other alternatives for standard texting.