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Samsung has announced that it will discontinue its in-house messaging service, marking a notable shift in its mobile software strategy and deeper alignment with Google’s ecosystem.

The company confirmed that the default Samsung Messages app will be phased out by July 2026, urging users to transition to Google Messages as their primary texting platform.

In a notice published on its website, Samsung stated that the app “will be discontinued in July 2026,” bringing an end to a service that has long been a staple across Galaxy smartphones.

The move reflects a broader shift already underway in Samsung’s device ecosystem. Recent flagship models such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup, along with foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, now come with Google Messages pre-installed as the default messaging app.

Samsung has encouraged users to proactively switch, also advising them to check the Samsung Messages app for device-specific discontinuation timelines.

However, the company clarified that not all users will be immediately affected. Devices running older software versions, particularly Android 11 or earlier, will continue to support Samsung Messages and remain functional beyond the cutoff.

The phase-out has been gradual. In markets like the United States, Samsung had already begun prioritising Google’s messaging platform starting with the Samsung Galaxy S22 series.

The transition highlights Samsung’s strategy to streamline its software experience, reduce duplication of core apps, and adopt a unified messaging system powered by features like Rich Communication Services (RCS).

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For users, the change signals a shift toward a more integrated Android messaging experience, with enhanced capabilities and broader compatibility across devices.